Business of the Week: Nutrition On Broad

Nutrition On Broad, a health and weight-loss coaching business in downtown Nazareth, is kicking off its 17th weight-loss challenge today, Sept. 12.

Challenges are held four times a year -- each lasting for 12 weeks -- and are open to anyone looking to lose weight and get healthier.

The challenges are run by Christine Simpson, owner of Nutrition On Broad who has been a wellness coach for nine years.

Simpson said that in the four years since she started running the challenges, she has given out more than $10,000 in prize money to the top loser -- the person who loses the most weight in the 12-week period.

During a challenge, participants meet at Nutrition on Board at 107 S. Broad Street once a week. During the one-hour meetings, Simpson weighs each participant to track his or her progress. She then teaches participants how to eat healthy, how to recognize problems and how to use proper weight-loss products -- although they’re not required.

“I’m not a trainer, but I emphasize exercise,” Simpson said. “It’s important to the goals.”

Those with doubts might be swayed by Simpson’s record -- in the four years that she has held the challenges, she has had dozens of people successfully lose weight, she says. In fact, she adds, three of her clients lost more than 100 pounds.

Simpson herself is a success story, which led her to open her business. Nine years ago, she lost 35 pounds in 13 weeks.

“And over the holidays!” she added emphatically.

Nutrition On Board began in Simpson's Nazareth home. On Sept. 20, 2010, she moved her business into its current S. Broad Street location -- the one-year anniversary of the move is quickly approaching.

In addition to the 12-week challenges, Nutrition On Broad also provides individualized nutritional programs and weight-loss support, which includes personal coaching to address specific concerns.

Registration for the current weight-loss challenge is still open, and there is no age restriction.

“I’ve had as young as 15, and as old as 79… and she won the challenge!” Simpson said of the now-svelte 79-year-old.

Registration costs go toward prize money, which is given to the person who loses the most weight. There is also a “penalty box” of additional costs for participants who miss meetings or gain weight during the challenge.

There is no cutoff date for registration.

“Even if you come a week in, you’re still welcome,” Simpson said.

To register, call Simpson at Nutrition On Broad at (610) 759-7526.

Hours for Nutrition On Broad are by appointment. For more information, visit nutritiononbroad.com.