Blog

Bloomberg Plans to Ban Large Sodas in NYC

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has the nation buzzing again, this time with a plan to ban the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks throughout the five boroughs.

As one of the most ambitious of Bloomberg’s health crusades, this proposal would eliminate the sale of any sweet beverage (including energy drinks and iced tea) larger than 16 fluid ounces at restaurants, street carts, movie theaters, and even sports arenas.

Bloomberg has been defined by his commitment to public health, and over the years his administration has successfully banned the use of trans fats in restaurants, mandated that chain restaurants display calorie content on their menus, discouraged the use of added salt, and prohibited smoking in public spaces. Most recently, the NYC Health Department launched a graphic anti-obesity campaign designed to shock New Yorkers into healthier eating habits.

Are You Productivity-Obsessed?

The mantra of success these days seems to be "more and faster." As professionals raise productivity to be the highest standard of achievement, we find ourselves wondering if the drive to maximize efficiency is hurting more than helping.

This week, The New York Times explored the idea of productivity as it relates to the economy. Author Tim Jackson argues that we are running, no sprinting, ourselves out of our jobs, and simultaneously depriving ourselves of quality, artisan products. We live by metrics instead meticulousness, by timers instead of talent, and the toll isn't just on the economy and production, but on ourselves.

It's hard to take a step back and relax when we believe that industriousness is the only way to reap rewards, but neglecting rest and leisure time is an ideal recipe for burnout. Work-a-holic behavior can lead to fatigue, insomnia, joylessness, irritability, and can even trigger chronic diseases that will ultimately reduce productivity.

A Yogurt Parfait for National Strawberry Month

Did you know that May is National Strawberry month? What a perfect excuse to load up on fresh berries! With only a few days left in May, show strawberries some love with this simple and delicious parfait from Amber, a 2011 Integrative Nutrition graduate.

The recipe calls for coconut yogurt (a dairy-free substitute for regular yogurt) and gluten-free granola! Berries are packed with antioxidants, so layer away, and feel free to enjoy your favorite nuts and seeds in your own parfait creation. Enjoy as a tasty snack or for a healthy breakfast to start your day!

Strawberry Coconut Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

5 Tips for Transitioning from Spring to Summer

There’s nothing quite like the energy and excitement of the seasonal transition from late spring to early summer. It’s a time to shed layers, turn our faces to the sun, and make time for both adventure and relaxation.

It’s also a special moment for inner transformation. Dense root vegetables and heavy cold-weather foods lose their appeal, as the earth begins to flourish with colorful fruits and veggies. These foods facilitate our natural detox mechanisms and help to keep our bodies cool during the warm summer months.

It’s as if Mother Nature, herself, is telling you to come out of hibernation, eat fresh foods, and be happy. You wouldn’t want to disappoint her would you?

The Road to Wellness: Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway

Sara Seinberg, who recently graduated from the Health Coach Training Program in May, was stuck. She was working a good job, and doing some freelance writing and photography, but her health was a different story. For her 40th birthday she made a big move and signed up for a marathon. Recognizing a powerful inner strength upon completing the race, she made the decision to get her health back on track, and the rest is history.

Sara is one of the most creative and authentic Health Coaches I’ve encountered, and she has a real knack for relating her own story to how she now helps others. She coaches people, out of her San Francisco practice, Seinberg Holistic Health Coaching, around nutrition, but also emotional eating and self-awareness. I got a chance to catch up with her recently, and her method of developing the inner critic into a useful tool, and her ability to attract the right clients are fascinating. This interview highlights her successful journey and what she’s up to now.

IIN Grads Join Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution

Amazing students and graduates who learned how to become a health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition gathered at farmer’s markets, health fairs, and cooking classes to spread the word about the Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. Here are a few amazing projects that our thriving wellness community created:

Sarah Mawson, current student, and part of the Los Angeles Food Revolution

“We were at the Pico Farmers Market in Santa Monica in the morning, talking to everyone about real food, the added sugar in popular drinks (this was very popular ... and shocked many), and also holding a number of cooking demonstrations.

Rallying Against the GMO Labeling Scam

The news has been buzzing lately with consumer anger about GMO labeling, and many people are slamming it as a deceptive scam that tricks people into eating potentially unsafe “frankenfoods.” Though the production of genetically modified food is a widely debated issue, the labeling of GMO products is broadly agreed upon – over 90% of Americans agree that genetically modified foods should be identified as such.

Legislation calling for GMO labeling was shot down in Connecticut this month when food producers threatened lawsuits. A similar bill failed in Vermont in April, and fifteen more states are considering GMO labeling legislation soon. Will Big Food get the better of all of them?

Health Leadership Award: A Mama Glows

This week, I am very excited to present the Health Leadership Award to Latham Thomas, a maternity maven who has inspired and supported a countless number of new and expecting mothers.

Latham graduated from IIN in 2006, and went on to found Tender Shoots Wellness, a boutique holistic wellness practice. Based in New York, her practice catered to the needs of busy female professionals, but when Latham herself became pregnant, she recognized the lack of holistic resources available to busy moms. She has since founded Mama Glow, a maternity lifestyle brand that helps modern mothers tap into the abundance of this exciting stage in their lives.

Listening to Her Inner Voice

I was inspired to enroll in IIN because I knew, deep inside, that I was being pulled to work in wellness. I felt called to be a source of light and a living example to inspire others- but I lacked the tools and confidence to reach this goal. Joshua’s comprehensive program provided the support I needed to launch my career in the wellness space.

Welcome Summer with a Healthy Memorial Day Menu!

Many people will gather with family and friends this weekend to honor our fallen soldiers, and to celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer. The winter months may have been mild this year, but it’s been too long since we spent some time in the sun!

A Memorial Day menu calls for lots of colorful ingredients, some of which can be thrown on the grill; and other times, after a long day spent at the beach or in the backyard, a refreshing dish is best. Here are some of our favorite recipes for a deliciously healthy Memorial Day menu!

Raw Zucchini Hummus

From IIN student Abby Hughes
Raw, vegan, gluten-free

Ingredients:

  •  1 cup peeled and chopped zucchini
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 big cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • A pinch of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup raw tahini

Fill out the form below to get your Health Coach Starter Guide (including our 342 page nutrition book)

program guide

We have a NO SPAM policy.