Twenty five years ago, Joshua Rosenthal founded Integrative Nutrition with the mission of improving global health and happiness. Today, we're not just a school - we're a movement that's larger than ever, with over 100,000 students and graduates worldwide. To celebrate our 25th anniversary we’ll be featuring the journeys of 25 rockstar graduates over the next few weeks! Follow along and read their stories here.
It never ceases to amaze us just how incredible Integrative Nutrition students and graduates are, and we love to stay in touch and support their ongoing growth after graduation. Our Health Coaches go on to make a positive difference in the world, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
We’re thrilled to introduce you to Nina Manolson, a Health Coach and 2009 IIN graduate currently living in Boston. Nina combined her IIN education with her experience as a mind-body therapist in order to truly help women feel their absolute best.
We recently caught up with Nina, and here’s what she had to say:
What led you to explore the Health Coach Training Program?
Integrative Nutrition was the next step in my journey of helping women feeling truly good from the inside out.
I had worked with women on their relationship with their body, from the perspective of yoga and bodywork. I had also worked with women on the emotional, psychological and mindset realm in my capacity as a therapist. Becoming a Health Coach allowed me to integrate the aspects of food and health into the mix. It allowed me to truly work with women in a whole-woman way. I am committed to helping women feel good from the inside out, not through diets or deprivation, but rather through deep nourishment on the level of mind, body and soul.
How did your life change after enrolling?
Being a Health Coach is not what I do, it's who I am. Enrolling in IIN gave me a framework and career track in which to put all my passion, purpose and knowledge!
Which topics and modules were most beneficial for you?
I participated in the live IIN classes in NYC in 2009. Being steeped in the company of so many like-minded people and powerful teachers for a full weekend was always a highlight. I soaked in so much from each teacher, but it was really the contrasting opinions between the teachers that taught me the most. I learned the lesson of bio-individuality deeply, and my work became based on the premise that each of us have differing nourishment needs. When it comes to vibrant health, there is no one-size that fits all.
What is the focus of your health coaching practice?
I work with smart women who are over 40 who already know what they "should" be eating, or doing to feel their best, but have a hard time making it actually happen in their everyday life.
I help women live a truly nourished life. I teach programs, work with clients privately as well as in groups.
I've also founded The Nourished Woman Nation, a free community for women to experience the support and guidance of a wellness coach and the inspiration of a community of like-minded women.
How do you help your clients be successful?
My work with clients is akin to marriage counseling - except instead of creating a relationship with someone else, we are creating a strong and healthy relationship with YOU, your body and your food.
And, what is so compelling thing is that what allows one woman to feel fabulous in her relationship with food/body/self is different than another.
The most wonderful thing I hear from clients is that they've learned to truly trust themselves, listen to their body and honor their needs.
One of my clients expressed it this way:
"Ive learned what works for me as an individual and what makes me feel good inside and out. This new mindset applies not just to eating, but to all areas of life - exercise, relationships, family dynamics, work."
What do you love about your work?
Helping women create a relationship of ease and peace with their body and their food is something that makes my heart sing.
When my clients say:
"I have more energy"
"I get dressed in the morning with ease"
"I'm being kind to myself when I look in the mirror"
"My knees don't ache"
"I'm not second guessing everything I ate"
...my heart sings!
The more women can feel healthy and peaceful with themselves, the more they are able to step into the world and express their own passions. My work is giving women the inner strength and foundation to feel truly good so that they can give the world everything they've got!
Is there a need for Health Coaches where you live?
I live in the world - a world where women do SO much for others and not enough for themselves. I live in a world where women are not feeling at home in their own bodies, and are struggling with their relationship with food. So, yes, Health Coaches are needed where I live!
Connect with Nina:
On her website Nina Manolson Wellness
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Twitter
On Instagram