Nutrition Plus Knowledge

One of the easiest ways to increase the life of your automobile is by changing the oil regularly. This simple maintenance can prevent many engine problems before they start. The same logic can also be applied to the human body.

“If you take care of yourself before you have health issues, your body will respond,” says Brenda Shelvin, wellness enthusiast. “The human engine is the colon. If you keep it clean, you’ll be healthier.”

Brenda and her husband Barry Shelvin are the owners of Nutrition-Plus at 1105 Veterans Memorial Drive in Abbeville. The couple opened their doors in 1994 and offer wellness items ranging from vitamins, minerals and omega 3 fish oils to weight loss, weight gain and body building products to herbal teas, organic juices and gluten free foods.

“People want to be healthier and try more natural products, but they don’t know where to start,” says Mrs. Shelvin. “You can’t always follow what others are doing. The best place to start is to look at what is going on with yourself.”

Mrs. Shelvin has previous work experience in sales, and the healthcare industry as a Registered Medical Assistant. Mr. Shelvin, who worked in the oilfield, was an avid bodybuilder and the first runner up in the Mr. Acadiana bodybuilding contest.

“I’ve always had an interest in fitness,” says Mr. Shelvin. “I love working with people and helping them feel their best. This is why I started Nutrition-Plus.”

According to the Shelvins, in order to be successful in this industry, one must be knowledgeable about the wellness products. Equally important is being able to listen.

“The best part of this job is the people,” says Mrs. Shelvin. “I’ve grown with them over the years like they’re family. In order to help them, I need to hear what they’re saying. If their stories are important to them, they’re important to me.”

Mrs. Shelvin’s most memorable moment at Nutrition-Plus was when a mysterious woman showed up and said that she was going to pray for the business. The same woman was spotted playing the organ at Mrs. Shelvin’s church days later. No one ever saw the organist again, but witnesses say that she was extremely talented and played beautifully.

“We’ve had a lot of ministers who come here and say they’re going to pray for us,” says Mr. Shelvin. “It must be working because we’ve been open for sixteen years and have a lot of loyal customers. We’re very appreciative of all the support the people of Vermilion Parish have given us.”


Mrs. Shelvin’s son, Blaine Turner runs World Class Smoothies in the back of Nutrition- Plus. Drive-thru customers have their choice of refreshing energetic drinks that can either help them lose or gain weight. Flavors include (but are not limited to) strawberry, raspberry, wild berry, banana, cappuccino and pina colada. Mr. Turner also sells barbecue dinners on Sundays.


During my interview with the Shelvins at Nutrition-Plus, many customers came in with different needs. One man bought something called Brewers Yeast and claimed it helped keep fleas, ticks and mosquitoes off of his dog.

“I need something like that,” laughed Mrs. Shelvin. “Mosquitoes are always biting me.”

Since I’m required to work a job at my interviews, Mr. Turner instructed me on how to make a Big Kahuna smoothie. After spilling every ingredient that I touched, the finished product was a delicious treat that was supposed to help me gain weight.

“You need to start eating more stuff that sticks to your bones,” Mrs. Shelvin said. “Tell Blaine how you like your red beans and rice and he’ll make up a batch for you.”

At first I thought there was a red beans and rice flavored smoothie, which didn’t really sound too appetizing. But then I smelled a pot of home cooking on the stove, and realized not only my mistake, but how lucky I was to get an offer for a custom made dish from a man with the skills of Mr. Turner.

The most valuable lesson I learned from my visit was how everything that you put in or on your body can affect your health and mood. The Shelvins taught me that the equation to wellness and feeling good is nutrition plus knowledge.

For more information on the products offered by Nutrition-Plus and World Class Smoothie, call 337-893-6005.