Bauman College Grad & Instructor Mira Dessy Honored with NANP’s Prestigious HEAL Award

Mira Dessy Bauman College Graduate and Instructor
Mira Dessy | Bauman College Graduate, Instructor, Author and recipient of NANP’s 2025 HEAL Award

Mira Dessy’s connection to Bauman College is a testament to the transformative power of education and a deep passion for holistic nutrition. Nearly 20 years ago, facing her own health challenges and seeking to understand the profound impact of food, Mira embarked on a journey that would not only restore her well-being but also lead her to become a respected expert, award-winning author, and now, a valued instructor at her alma mater.

Finding a Foundation in Holistic Nutrition

“Nearly 20 years ago, after an immune system collapse as I was struggling to understand the impact of nutrition and health, I began to look for resources to help me educate myself in order to recover my health,” Mira shares. Her search led her to Bauman College, where she found a Nutrition program that resonated with her desire for knowledge and healing. “I loved being part of the program, delved into the learning, and began to learn how to nourish my body all while learning about holistic nutrition.”

Becoming The Ingredient Guru, an Award-Winning Author, and Industry Leader

Mira’s dedication extended far beyond her student years. After graduation, she immersed herself in the field of holistic nutrition, finding immense fulfillment in supporting clients on their unique health journeys. Her expertise and passion quickly led her to become widely known as The Ingredient Guru, a recognized authority in understanding food labels and their impact on health. This expertise culminated in her acclaimed book, “The Pantry Principle: How to Read the Label and Understand What’s Really In Your Food.”

The impact of Mira’s work is profoundly recognized within the industry. “The Pantry Principle” became an integral part of the curriculum for numerous nutrition programs, including Bauman College’s own curriculum, long before Mira joined the team. Remarkably, it has even become required reading for individuals preparing to take the board certification exam in holistic nutrition.

With nearly two decades of experience, Mira is not only a respected mentor to clinical professionals and a sought-after public speaker, but also a passionate advocate for transparency and wellness in our food systems.

Her exceptional contributions were recently honored with the prestigious HEAL (Highest Exceptional Achievement or Lifetime) Award by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) at this year’s annual HEALCon Conference.

This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, upheld the highest professional standards, and made lasting contributions to advancing the practice of holistic nutrition around the world. “I found my career as a nutrition educator to be deeply fulfilling on so many levels,” Mira reflects.

A Meaningful Return: Joining the Bauman College Faculty

Mira’s remarkable journey came full circle with an invitation to join the faculty at Bauman College. “I was honored to join Bauman College as part of the faculty. It felt like coming home.” This return marks a significant milestone, allowing Mira to share her wealth of knowledge and award-winning experience with the next generation of holistic nutrition practitioners.

Guiding Future Practitioners with a Caring Team

Mira expresses her delight in being part of the Bauman College team. “I am delighted to be part of such a deeply caring team here at Bauman College. From my beginnings as a student to now being part of the support team for other students, my amazing colleagues and I are helping to guide and nurture future practitioners to be of service to the world.”

Why Bauman College? Accreditation, Science, and Flexibility

Looking back at her decision to attend Bauman College, Mira highlights key factors that drew her to the program. “I was looking for a program that offered an accredited program, a scientifically based curriculum, and it needed to be a distance learning program.” Bauman College met all these criteria, providing her with the rigorous and flexible education she sought.

A Virtual Practice with Lasting Impact

Based in Texas, Mira now works virtually, supporting clients across various locations. What she loves most about her career is the ability to create meaningful and lasting change in people’s lives. “I love how I am able to support others on their journey to health and wellbeing in a way that creating meaningful and lasting change.”

The Enduring Support of the Bauman Community

Mira emphasizes the ongoing support she received from Bauman College, even after graduation. “At so many steps along the way, the team at Bauman was supportive and encouraging. This wasn’t only after I graduated. Regularly over the years, I have had contact with what I refer to as my Bauman friends. They shared examples of what was possible, helped me see value in the work I was doing, and cheered my successes, which encouraged me to do more and go deeper with the work I was doing.”

A Welcoming and Inspiring Faculty

Now on the other side, Mira appreciates the incredible team she works with at Bauman College. “Being part of such an amazing team of people. Everyone has been incredibly kind and welcoming.”

Advice for Aspiring Holistic Nutritionists and Chefs

For those considering a path in holistic nutrition and culinary arts, Mira offers enthusiastic encouragement: “If you think you want to work in holistic nutrition and culinary arts, I cannot think of a better place to be than Bauman College. The Nutrition Consultant program is not only accredited, it is one where you really learn the science behind the work we do. When you graduate from Bauman College, you will have received a comprehensive holistic nutrition education that will allow you to go in any direction you choose.”

Mira Dessy’s journey from a student seeking answers to an award-winning instructor embodies the very essence of Bauman College: a nurturing environment that empowers individuals to become knowledgeable practitioners and make a significant impact on the health and well-being of others.

Connect with Mira via her website, the ingredientguru.com or Instagram @theingredientguru.

Inspired by Mira’s incredible path from student to award-winning instructor? Bauman College’s Nutrition Consultant program offers a scientifically-based, accredited curriculum designed to empower you to make a meaningful difference in the world of health and wellness.

Have Work You Love

Get the details on how to become a Holistic Chef or Nutrition Consultant through Bauman College’s ONLINE programs! Contact us to connect with an Admissions Representative today.