At Integrative Nutrition, we speak to countless potential students who are interested in our Health Coach Training Program but aren’t quite sure if this is the right school for them.

To help clarify what we’re really all about, we’ve rounded up some of the most common questions we receive about the IIN curriculum and addressed them for you below.

If you have gone through our program, this is a great post to share with friends who are curious about the program.

If you’re interested in learning more, sign up here for our upcoming info session with a graduate to get all of your questions answered!

Here are 5 common questions about IIN and answers revealed:

Does IIN only teach concepts of food and nutrition?
While we are the largest nutrition school in the world and a good portion of our curriculum focuses on learning and experimenting with various dietary theories, there is so much more to IIN. One of our core concepts is Primary Food, which states that there are many factors that contribute to overall health, including career, relationships, fitness, spirituality, and more. IIN guides students in exploring the best ways to feel nourished in all of these non-dietary ways while also feeding our bodies wholesome foods. Holistic health is all about addressing the whole person so that nothing is out of balance, food or otherwise, and that’s what we focus on at IIN.

Does IIN promote the ideal or “best” way of eating?
Absolutely not! IIN is where omnivores, vegetarians, followers of vegan, Paleo, Mediterranean, macrobiotic, and any other diets (or non-diets) can come together to find common ground in the simple idea that food should be minimally processed, come from a clean and natural source, and help us feel energized and nourished. We acknowledge that everyone is different and has unique nutritional needs. Just as one person’s food is another person’s poison, we promote bio-individual wellness and non-judgment of others.

Is IIN mostly for those who want to become professional Health Coaches, or who already have a background in health?
We provide a comprehensive program in nutrition and wellness that just about anyone can benefit from, regardless of whether you already have training in wellness or are interested in transforming your own health. Our students run the full range from beginners on their own healing journey to current health care professionals looking to deepen their understanding of holistic health concepts. This mix is what makes each class community so special! Everyone supports each other no matter what their individual goals are. Those who are interested in setting up a health coaching practice will also receive training in that regard, and those who are unsure of what they want at the beginning of the program will likely figure it out by the time they graduate. There is no previous knowledge required whatsoever; we simply encourage a willingness to dive in and experience a new sense of health and happiness from the inside out.

Does IIN teach religious views?
You’ve likely come across our use of the term “spirituality” in the curriculum, but only in whatever form it takes for each individual person. We believe that having a connection with a deeper wisdom feeds the spirit, which lightens the body and mind and contributes to overall well-being. Whether that means practicing meditation and yoga, going to church, temple, or mosque or simply spending time in nature, then we encourage you to do what’s best for you. Just like with diet, there is no single ideal form of spirituality for everyone, but we will invite you to connect with what’s right for you and assess whether this area requires any further evaluation or recalibration to make you feel fulfilled.

Is this program really flexible for someone with a busy schedule?
We estimate that the lectures, exercises, participation, and other elements of the program will take up about 4-7 hours per week, however there is flexibility there depending on your schedule. If you’re having a busy week, it’s fairly simple to catch up on lectures the following week. If you’re really into the material and want to explore all of the additional information and apply it in your life, then your studies could take up as much time as you’d like. The great thing about IIN is that all content is delivered in a convenient and streamlined way with your convenience in mind. You can easily listen to lectures while commuting or doing chores around the house, and create your own weekly schedule for the applied workload. So whether mornings, evenings, or weekends are best for you, you’re in control of when and where you learn.

We hope this answers some of your questions, but keep in mind it’s just the tip of the iceberg for this transformative year-long program. To take the next step and get all of your questions answered, join an upcoming info session with a graduate! Or check out our FAQs!