I am sure you all remember that about 3-ish months ago, I decided to quit my bachelors study in Nutrition (where I was studying to become an R.D.) in lieu of setting up shop for myself and instead focus all my time and energy on writing articles, eBooks and immerse myself in holistic health. Well guess what? I am going back to school!
But don’t worry, it’s not what you might think…
This time around, I have found a school that does teach the things I believe are imperative for good health and shares my norms and values when it comes to healthcare. Friends: meet the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Integrative Nutrition is not just a school. We are a movement. The school is part of the movement. “
The Institute for Integrative Nutrition is the world’s largest nutrition school and renown for being the only school, world-wide, that teaches health from a whole-body (read: holistic) perspective, while integrating nutrition science and coaching skills. The Institute is affiliated with the prestigious State University of New York (SUNY) and it’s alumni do a great and successful job around the globe of making this world a healthier one.
Founded in New York 20 years ago by Joshua Rosenthal the school is now looking at almost 2000 students per year. When the school’s popularity began to explode outside the U.S. too, IIN decided to start offering their course completely digital as well. Aspiring health coaches from all over the world can now complete the 12 month course via video lectures, interactive webinars and virtual classrooms, all coming to you from your complementary iPad.
This is the future of nutrition.”
IIN’s curriculum is extensive and unique, covering concepts like bio-individuality (there is no one perfect diet for everyone!), the food-mood connection, primary foods and covering over 100 different dietary theories including raw food, ayurveda, macrobiotics, paleo, etc. IIN has its own food pyramid and has world-renown guest lecturers including Deepak Chopra, David Wolfe, Joel Fuhrman, Neal Barnard, Davic Katz, Mark Bittman and many more.
IIN is famous for its concept of ‘primary foods’
I was f***** excited when I first heard about IIN some months ago because I knew this was the school for me. I am standing my ground when it comes to the nutritional nitty-gritty, but when it comes to primary nutrition, I have a thing or two to learn (especially in regards to coaching others with this!). The course is not cheap by any means but so worth it, and I was thrilled to find myself accepted (so far the only Dutch person in the class of 2012!).
IIN’s food pyramid
I was ecstatic when I saw this (and I hadn’t even had my chocolate fix for the day, go figure).
The governments food pyramid/myplate/schijf van 5 have always been my biggest pet peeve (besides people pronouncing it ‘supposably’, of course) but IIN has done an amazing job pointing out the key factors to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I especially love they have left out any reference to portion size or daily servings. The biggest mistake you can make when it comes to nutrition is overgeneralizing the amount of food people should eat. (The only critique I have to this pyramid is the notion ‘oils’. Oils aren’t essential to a healthy diet, fats are).
As far as connecting with other students goes, there is a study forum that is buzzing with activity and a lovely IIN europe study group on facebook that will conduct weekly Skype meetings. Or, you can fly your ass out to Long Beach, L.A for the IIN mega conference in March! Which, naturally, I will. Any excuse to hop on a plane and visit an exotic (err, and warm. It has to be warm.) location, right? David Wolfe, here I come (I’m having fantasies of us having a snazzy rendez-vous where we are high on chocolate smoothies and bathe in cacao nibs. What?!).
So there you have it guys. The missing link between my nutrition knowledge, my own personal journey from SAD to RAW, and desire to coach and motivate others to set and achieve health and wellness goals.
And if all else fails, I could always become an IIN spokes-person, apparently. Geesh.
I am excited to be on this journey with you Sabine!
So jealous! This looks amazing.
I was wondering what your views are on incorporating fats when a raw vegan? I’m in ED recovery and high raw. I eat a lot of avocado’s and nuts. Do you think this is an issue and that there’s limit to the quantity that should be consumed?
Thankyou
X
Hey Sophie, its hard to tell how much fats one should eat, it depends on the person and your prefernces! I go through faces where I eat more nuts/fats, and periods where I eat less. Let me just tell you one thing I think is most important for YOU, at this stage: when you are recovering from an ed you should not be restricting anything. So just eat how much you feel comfotable with!
Sabine recently posted..I am IIN: Back to School!
Nice post classmate ; ) Can’t wait for the Mega Conference! See you in LA xxx
Yes we need to arrange a meet-up for us European gals!
Sabine recently posted..I am IIN: Back to School!
I’m so happy for you! I’m very excited to read all about it.
Joy recently posted..Blue October
congrad!… and always interesting to read you!…
Talking about institute, my girlfriend is presently at Living Light Culinary Arts Institute, Fort Bragg, CA.
Yes!… this is the future of nutrition!!
wow that is so amazing! i DEFINITELY want to go to the living light institute one day. im such a science nerd hihi.
Sabine recently posted..I am IIN: Back to School!
You sre the shit you know that? You are following your dreams left and right and inspiring people to do so too along the way.
Aww thanks dude
Sabine recently posted..I am IIN: Back to School!
Wow I am so jealous! This looks absolutely amazing, what an experience! I’d love to enroll too, how much is the admission?
Officially its 5000 but theres some added costs when you dont pay at once, I think I pay 6500$ in total.
Sabine recently posted..I am IIN: Back to School!
About a year ago I thought of doing IIN’s course as well but it was too expensive for me
. Is it still 5000$ ?
Hey Bente! Officially its 5000 but theres some added costs when you dont pay at once, I think I pay 6500$ in total.
Sabine recently posted..I am IIN: Back to School!
been there done that and it’s amazing!!!!
I’m also a student of IIN!
That’s so awesome! I’m going to the Conference in LA as well so I’m sure I’ll see you there!
Awesome! When did you start and where are you from
?
Sabine recently posted..I am IIN: Back to School!
Congrats…what exciting news!!! I am also going through the Integrative Nutrition program and I LOVE it!!!Happy Friday!
LizAshlee recently posted..Quinoa Quiche Cups
Thanks babe! When did you start and how are you liking it so far? Tips? Wanna do a health history together? Are you in the online program or in NYC?
hihi
Sabine recently posted..I am IIN: Back to School!
[...] been a little MIA this week. I am going through some stuff + am busy navigating my way around a new study so there ya have [...]
What a great opportunity! I know you’re going to enjoy it!
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner recently posted..Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes!
[...] hey it’s a start! (San Fran, you’re next!). I am visiting L.A for a week because the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I am currently enrolled to become a Holistic Health Coach, is hosting a free, two day mega [...]
Sabine,
What drove you to leave school? I’m on the other end of this spectrum as I already have a bachelor’s(art) and have just enrolled in IIN. I feel like I’d need to be more formally educated in nutrition to be taken seriously.
thanks!
Hi Kat, I wrote a post about that too, it’s called ‘follow your dreams…..’ I believe. Basically I quit my bachelors in nutrition here in Holland because the program/curriculum and way of teaching/learning is not for me. There is no holistic input whatsoever and is basically (imo) government propaganda aka they swear by the food pyramid….
Of course it is good to have a solid background in nutrition though I feel that I learned more by the copious amounts of books I read myself, though certain courses in the bachelor were helpful in putting it all together (like physiology and chemistry), but in the end I will not end up using this information much. Health coaching is something different from being a dietician or even a nutritionist, it is about helping people heal themselves through listening, providing feedback and information when needed and support. It is also about MUCH more than handing out a list of what to eat and what not to eat, which is where IIN comes in.
When did you enroll
?
PS you might find it helpful to know IIN just got accredited for 40 college credits!
Hi Sabine, I will def read that post later tonight when I’m at home and relaxing with my books! Part of me still thinks I need to have a related degree to be recognized(and respected) as someone who can give health and nutrition advice!
I just enrolled and will start module 1 this march-is that your class as well? There is a Facebook group for March IIN students you should join. YOu have a great head start and I’m so inspired by your site and blog.
SO excited about the 40 credits…maybe I’ll continue with formal education after all(after IIN) since 40 credits is a lot!
I’m really interested in this study, can you tell me how much time you spend everyday studying? Because i’m already a student, so i want to do this study next to my current study!
Thanks
[...] certified this December). You can read all about this holistic health coach training and the school here. * I started my own Holistic Health Coaching practice; ‘Naturally You Health [...]
[...] pivotal moment was when I enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Certified Holistic Health Coach. IIN has brought me more than I can put into words. I [...]
Congratulations! Welcome tothe club! I have lived a raw/living foods lifestyle for over 12 years now. I am also a student in IIN. I left a career in environmental advocacy and am now promoting an ecosystems approach to a happy healthy life that spans from person to planet and from cell to soul. Best of luck to you and your work. Wishing you well – Always, Suzanne (www.followingnaturesway.com)