As 2011 comes to an end, it’s the perfect time for reflection. Protestors around the world demanded that their voices be heard, and we lost tech visionary Steve Jobs whose legacy defined a generation. Congress blocked new rules to make school lunches healthier, while Medicare joined the fight against obesity. Though the world is in a constant state of motion and change, we think of our accomplishments from previous months and set clear goals for the year ahead.

At Integrative Nutrition, we are committed to being the catalyst for change.  We think of 2011 as a monumental year for health coaching.

Our students and graduates are changing the face of health and wellness. They are making headlines, creating new products, and enjoying continued success. They are also coming up with innovative new ways to bring health and happiness to a world that is primed for a shift from the status quo.

We recapped the first half of 2011 back in July. (Read our Half Year in Review for all the details.) The second half of 2011 has been action-packed as well.

Food Day is just around the corner on Monday October 24^th and it seems that the whole country is excited. Just take one glance at the Food Day website and you will see hundreds of events scheduled to take place from Washington to Maine. Just as Michael Jacobson had hoped when he founded Food Day last year, people are joining together to push for and celebrate healthy, affordable food that’s produced in a sustainable and humane way. Even Slow Foods is participating by encouraging people to take part in their second $5 dollar challenge on October 24^th.

From top ten lists of American cities consuming the most fast food to extreme weight loss reality TV shows, the American obesity epidemic has led to widespread public scrutiny of our SAD (Standard American Diet) lifestyle regularly consisting of fattening, processed, and low-nutrient meals.

But did you know the majority of overweight and obese Americans live in areas designated by the Department of Agriculture as “food deserts”? These “deserts” are areas where at least 500 people or 33% of the population live more than 1 mile (10 miles in rural towns) from an affordable food store. Because of this, the residents of these areas end up turning to fast food joints or convenience stores for their daily meals because they cannot afford or do not have access to healthy food.

Wow, 2011 is whizzing by! The year has offered so much in the form of opportunity, change, and reflection. We thought we would give you the highlights of what has been and what is to come in 2011. 

January

• In 2010 Integrative Nutrition gave over $170,000 to a variety of incredible charitable organizations like Slow Food USA, Healthy Child, Healthy World and Farm Sanctuary.  Now…we’re on our way to donating over $200,000 in 2011!
• Our what’s your vision? essay contest receives over 1,100 entries. It’s a tough decision but we pick 2 winners who are awarded full tuition scholarships.
  

At Integrative Nutrition our mission is to promote healthy eating worldwide by educating our students on the importance of nutrition. Our students and graduates, in turn, go out into the world and educate others.  It’s the ripple effect at it’s finest. 

I am always on the look out for new ways to introduce whole foods and healthy eating to the community, which is why I’m happy to announce Integrative Nutrition’s partnership with Food Day!

Food Day is an outstanding organization that is committed to: