Encouraging Nutrition encourages Marion to refresh body and soul together

Encouraging Nutrition is fast becoming a popular place to get cool refreshment or a healthy meal replacement.

Encouraging Nutrition is the brainchild of mother-daughter duo Heather Thurber and Melissa Bolding, who are already co-owners of the Print Shop in Marion located right next door. Both were born and raised in Marion. They said for years they have been trying to think of something else they could bring to Marion that would have a positive impact on the town. They decided on an establishment that would be a gathering place for citizens.

Thurber and Bolding went to nutrition shops in Greensboro, Brent and Tuscaloosa, and they liked the positive vibes at these shops and the healthy drinks that gave folks the energy needed for their busy lives. Before they knew it, the building next to the Print Shop became available.

The duo said it was a huge leap of faith that took a lot of prayer, thought and ultimately a lot of help from family and Thurber Building and Grounds. But in under two months, they were able to convert the old Neely Theater turned Old Theater Cafe into Encouraging Nutrition. They reported that in the few weeks they have been open, the response has been overwhelming.

Encouraging Nutrition offers a large selection of healthy refreshment starting with their loaded teas. These drinks are packed full of vitamins, supplements and caffeine to provide enough energy to get through the day. There are also meal replacement shakes that can be a quick meal on the go or a healthy replacement for a meal for those dieting. Both the loaded teas and the replacement shakes come in a large variety of flavors. There are also protein coffees and kids’ drinks.

All of this comes in a bright, welcoming environment that encourages people to come hang out and get to know each other. There is even a foosball table for folks who want a little competition. They are at 424 Washington Street next to the Print Shop. They are open Monday through Friday 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Both Thurber and Bolding said everything they are doing at Encouraging Nutrition is based on their motto, which is from 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.”