Many of you have probably heard of nutrition expert and IIN guest speaker, Dr. David Katz; but have you heard about his involvement with the social health company for women, EmpowHER?

EmpowHER is a social company dedicated to women’s health. The company’s primary website, EmpowHER.com, is the third most visited site for women’s health and wellness information. The site offers a space where women can not only read health information from experts in the field, but also seek advice from other EmpowHER users. On the other side of the spectrum, health care professionals, brands and agencies utilize EmpowHER to reach their target internet consumer: women.

What’s better than one Health Coach working to help professionals and veterans find time to bring health back into their lives? Two! Michelle Kramer, a 2010 graduate of the Health Coach Training Program, teamed up with her business partner Odette Worrell to coach busy men and women in their mid 40’s. Together they run Find Your Organic Soul out of Delray Beach, Florida, and have found a successful balance by listening to and supporting each other.

A career in health coaching had been a long time in the making for Michelle, who first learned of Integrative Nutrition over ten years ago. Years later, she’s following the career path she always desired, and has acquired a fantastic business partner. This interview highlights Michelle’s successful journey, and the unforeseen joys of working with someone who shares her passion for health coaching.

How has your life changed since enrolling in Integrative Nutrition’s program?

Since I enrolled in Integrative Nutrition I have had my seat belt fastened, and boy it's been an AMAZING ride! I have a clear sense of who I am and allow something new to unfold each moment! I have opened my heart to seven incredible women, the South Florida Health Coaches, and I am no longer a lone ranger. I no longer struggle with binge eating or IBS, and I’ve given myself permission to play!

What were some important things you took away from your time at Integrative Nutrition?

I learned at Integrative Nutrition that happiness lies in every choice that I make in my life. I learned that only I know what I need, and if I take a moment and slow down, the answers are within me.

Grace Collins, a current student at Integrative Nutrition, follows a strict anti-inflammatory diet, supports a strong gut with probiotics, and eats well to support her natural immune system. Unfortunately, it took a car accident, a dangerous epidural injection gone wrong, and months of unbearable pain for her to get to this point.

Two years ago, Grace was told an epidural cortisol steroid injection would heal the pain she was suffering after her accident. When the doctor she had trusted punctured the wrong space with the injection, Depo-Medrol began to seep into her spinal fluid and spread through her central nervous system, killing the connecting nerves throughout her body. Grace is not alone in suffering unexpected complications from this procedure. In fact, the market for epidural shots is estimated at a booming $300 billion a year.

The malpractice resulted in what Grace described to LA Times Daily as “non-stop pure modern-day torture.” As she hopelessly watched her own body deteriorate, her lack of faith in her doctor’s ability to understand her pain increased. While researching her symptoms online, she discovered “arachnoiditis,” a condition caused by an epidural malpractice resulting in internal scarring, severe inflammation, and excruciating pain. 10 days after reading about it, Grace was diagnosed with the condition.

Vista McCroskery, a 2011 graduate from Nacogdoches, TX, grew up on a small farm where she planted her own seeds and enjoyed organic fruits and vegetables. When she moved away, her diet and lifestyle drastically changed, and consequently she became overwhelmed with serious health problems. She did not seek help for a long time, but years of medications and stress forced her to make a change.

After rediscovering whole foods and primary foods through the Health Coaching Training Program, Vista was able to move away from her medications and lose an astonishing 100 pounds. She launched her own health coaching business, and currently has three books in the making. Most importantly, Vista has returned to a state of happiness and self-confidence, and after a long, difficult journey, she’s finally living to her full potential.

Lana Purcell, winner of our "What's Your Vision" Essay Contest brings us up to speed on her goals and progress as she works her way through the IIN Health Coach Training program.

What were you doing before IIN?

Before IIN I was a stay at home mum on a mission to change the world, I just didn't know exactly how.

What led you to explore IIN's program?

IIN came to me through Facebook. I read about it on someone’s blog, and I liked the page. I then went on the the IIN website and was BLOWN away that everything that I was doing, reading, researching seemed to be all be tied up with your program. I felt like I had found heaven. Having started and stopped numerous degrees, certificates, diplomas through the years because they didn't combine a truly holistic approach, my heart stopped as I knew this was something special.

Venus Hicks was struggling with Panic Attacks that her doctor told her would keep her on medication her entire life when she found Integrative Nutrition. This is her incredible story of how she used what she learned in our Health Coaching Training Program to heal herself and start her dream business as a health coach.

What were you doing before Integrative Nutrition?

In 2003, I was one of many people in a post-911 world, searching for their life purpose. I became a certified FranklinCovey Personal Life Coach, but was led away from business coaching to the world of health coaching when a personal struggle with my health helped me realize the connection between food and emotions. At the time, I was taking medication for panic attacks, and when I asked my doctor for healthier alternatives that did not involve prescription medication, he told me I’d have to take medication for panic attacks for the rest of my life. 

Integrative Nutrition graduate, Siv Sjöholm, was an international model that found herself off balance and emotionally and physically unhealthy and unhappy. On a break from modeling, she sought out Integrative Nutrition to regain health, wellness and balance in her life. She transformed her life and career upon enrolling in the Health Coach Training Program and has been on a successful journey ever since. She is currently living her dream life with a thriving health coaching business, Success Is Vitality! We got the chance to hear more about her story...

What were you doing before Integrative Nutrition?

Before Integrative Nutrition, I studied business in college, worked some for our family company Delux in Finland and had a 10 year international modeling career. I was making good money and living all over the world but I was unfulfilled and burned out as some years I flew as much as 365 flights a year. After the many years of modeling and the deeper stress and heart ache of losing my dear brother Jan, I got very off balance, which started to show physically in my body as well as emotionally.

Why did you choose to go to Integrative Nutrition?

I was now 25 yrs old, doing pretty well career wise, but was unhealthy and unhappy. I was infertile when I was supposed to be in a woman's peak fertility years. I had skin problems, digestive issues, anxiety and my relationships did not last. I took a total break from modeling and went to IIN in an attempt to find balance and heal myself as I couldn't find the solutions from doctors. I healed within a year just with foods and healthy, natural life style choices, most which I learned from IIN. As my life was transformed, I found my new passion and career in holistic health and wanted to be able to help others heal as well. I founded Success Is Vitality and I've loved every single day!

What's the best part about Integrative Nutrition’s online course?

I did the live courses in NYC myself which was a fantastic experience and education. I can’t exactly share my experience of doing the course online but I have only heard good feedback from it. However I can imagine many benefits of it such as it being even more affordable, more convenient as it is then accessible to you from the comfort of your home. The education itself certainly is extremely valuable to anyone!

What are your future plans?

I have never been this fulfilled spiritually and look forward to growing in that aspect more and more. I’m happily married to my wonderful husband Kirk and am very committed to staying that way and becoming a better wife to him. We are expecting our first child, so I plan to be a mother and will do my best to be a good one.

I will continue working with private clients. I love my clients, all of whom inspire me and I am so proud of the major transformations they go through with the Success Is Vitality Program. I will work more and more with larger corporations as well here in the US, as I have done in Scandinavia. It inspires me to be able to positively affect the health of bigger groups and communities at once as well as help corporations decrease their health care costs and increase the productivity and satisfaction of their employees. I am currently writing my first book and also seeing an increased amount of interest from the media in what I do.

I was recently featured on Fox News, Finland's Next Top Model, ELLE Magazine and other venues, which may open more new doors in the future as well. I hope to be able to continue working on the side as a model for Ford models as I have done so far along with my successful health counseling career. I feel incredibly blessed with all the wonderful opportunities and gifts in life and am looking forward to every day ahead! I do the work I do with the intention to improve the health and lives of people through out the world.

How has studying with an international Health Coach Training Program benefited you?

It has benefited me in so many ways. First and foremost, through the program I was finally able to find balance and heal my own body! Now I’m able to help others transform their health and life and I truly love the process!

Is there a need for Health Coaches in your home country?

YES there is, unfortunately Finns have adapted too much of the American diet and have many of the same health challenges, such as heart disease! We do need more of us holistic health counselors and I recommend Integrative Nutrition’s program regularly to my fellow Finns, so we are increasing in number, which is great! The other good news is people are starting to become very interested and open to this holistic approach now in Finland too!

When I first brought this concept to Finland people were interested and curious, yet as it was so new, “holistic” and different that they were also skeptical. Now that has changed and people approach me from Finland wanting to do the Success Is Vitality program all the time. In fact about 50% of my private clients are from Finland even though I am based in the US. Finns are wonderful clients too, because they’re smart and proactive. They’re ready to take responsibility for their health and love to use common sense!

We’ve made it simple and easy for you to become your healthiest self with this list of 50 Easy Ways to Get Healthier Now! We have compiled some of the best tips, resources and products from Integrative Nutrition guest speakers and friends like Dr. Andrew Weil, David Wolfe and Deepak Chopra, as well as some Integrative Nutrition graduates that have been rocking the world of holistic health. Also included are some inspiring resources that support living a happier, healthier life! Be well!

1.    Want to ditch processed food for good? Learn from the Natural Gourmet herself, Annemarie Colbin, in this informative video How to Choose Your Food.

2.    Learn meditation for health. Dr. Weil’s Three Breathing Exercises are a great place to start.

3.    Looking to clean up your diet? Make it a Clean Start in 2011 with Integrative Nutrition Grad Terry Walters’ new book, inspiring You to Eat Clean and Live Well.

4.    A great workout for mind, body and soul: Pop in this DVD, Intensati: Intention and Power—A High Energy Workout for Body Mind and Soul, created by an Integrative Nutrition student.

5.    Want to avoid getting a cold like the plague? Invest in a neti pot. This Ayurvedic remedy will keep your sinuses clean and clear all year. Check out this how to video if you are a neti novice.

6.    Follow the leader. Take the lead from Dr. David Katz as he shares his 3 Tricks to a Longer Life.

7.    Eat with the seasons by learning what your Ayurvedic body type is, compliments of Dr. John Douillard.

8.    Build your brain with exercise:  Exercise is beneficial for more than just your waistline. Deepak Chopra suggests breaking a sweat to improve your memory, learning and metabolism.  

9.    Say NO to chemicals in your food by using this helpful guide on common food additives to avoid, compliments of Center for Science in the Public Interest.

10.    Keep a check on your health with Dr. Oz's Lifesaving Numbers You Need to Know.

11.    Get to know your food: Learn from nutrition expert Joy Bauer’s “Should I be eating…” Food Index about the benefits of the foods you love. Also discover new favorites that might surprise you with their vitamin, mineral, and nutrient content.

12.    Want to find the perfect lover in 2011? Harville Hendrix, bestselling author of Getting the Love You Want and founder of Imago Relationship Therapy, explains what "Imago" means and how it relates to your soul mate in this video.

13.    Avoid food shopping pitfalls: Try this grocery store guidance to prevent yourself from making tempting, yet regrettable, food purchases.

14.    Get your cookie fix and keep fit: Purely Elizabeth Cookie Mixes are gluten and dairy free and made with unrefined sweeteners. Easy to make and incredibly delicious. Founded by an Integrative Nutrition grad!

15.    Breathe easy in your home: Easy steps to make sure the air you are breathing in your home is clean and safe.

16.    Want to heal holistically? Browse Veria’s Holistic Health Solutions Database.

17.    Get the FAQs: Dr. Fuhrman might have the answers you’re searching for! His list of frequently asked questions and answers provides insight into many great debates in health, nutrition, diet, and lifestyle.

18.    Bring your stress level down: Try Integrative Nutrition grad and guest speaker Robert Notter’s “8 Ways to Reduce Stress Now,” to take your anxiety down a notch and allow for greater wellbeing.   

19.    Cut the salt: The Harvard School of Public Health recommends these 25 easy ways to decrease your sodium intake and boost your health, without sucking the flavor out of your food.

20.    Be happy to be healthy: Take the time to be actively joyful about the abundance in your life. It can actually boost immunity, among other benefits.

21.    Supercharge your diet: These top 5 superfoods are anything but a fad, according to David Wolfe, one of the world’s top authorities on organic superfoods.

22.    Don’t skip dessert! Try Gnosis raw chocolate to add a superfood and some well deserved bliss to your daily diet!

23.    Become a farmers market pro: Whether you’re a newby or a regular at your local farmers market, have a successful shopping trip every time by trying these 10 tips to becoming an expert locavore.

24.    Think positive thoughts: In order to make room for positive thoughts, it’s important to learn how to stop negative thinking. You’re bound to start feeling better.

25.    Stall the clock: If you’re interested in slowing down the aging process for a healthier, longer life (who isnt’?!), try any combination of these 30 Healthstyle Tips To Keep You Young.

26.    Snack well:  If you’re hungry between meals or just need a little crunch in your life, stick to healthy snacks like Brad’s Raw Chips. These dehydrated chips come in 9 delicious flavors and are made from fresh vegetables, sprouted flax seeds, and buckwheat groats!

27.    Transform leftovers: Try these simple ideas and tips for turning leftovers into healthy snacks and meals.

28.    Know what to buy organic: Prioritize your organic produce shopping list to include the “Dirty Dozen,” which are those fruits and veggies most likely to contain high traces of pesticides if they are conventionally grown. Check out the “Clean Fifteen” that pass the test.

29.    Looking for skin care products free of toxic chemicals? Check out Skin Deep, a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products brought to you by researchers at the Environmental Working Group.   EWG also offers a printable shoppers guide to safe cosmetics.

30.    Kick that cold! Top 10 natural ways to kick a cold’s butt from Integrative Nutrition graduate and health coach, Michelle Pfennighaus of Find Your Balance Health.

31.    Go from conflict to connection. Heal your relationship in 2011 with Imago Relationship Therapy.

32.    Bring on the sea vegetables: Incorporate these low calorie, mineral/vitamin rich foods into your diet to reap the immunity & energy boosting benefits. Check out Top Chef contestant and Integrative Nutrition grad Andrea Beaman’s simple, delicious sea vegetable recipes to get started.

33.    Score Your Diet with a quick check-list to show how your diet rates on nutrition, the environment, and animal welfare. 

34.    Stuck in a recipe rut? Check out the list of vegetarian/vegan online recipe resources compiled by animal welfare activist, Howard Lyman. There are over 10,000 veg recipes, so you’ll be fully equipped to stir things up in the kitchen!

35.    Not so fast: Eat slower and more mindfully to do more than just savor the flavor. Enjoy better digestion, metabolize faster, and even lose weight with these suggestions to slow down speed eating.

36.    Cleanse continually: Take simple steps to cleanse your colon naturally and consistently by incorporating foods and beverages that lead to a cleaner colon.

37.    Expecting? Take it from Integrative Nutrition graduates, Real Food Moms, for some wonderful recipes, ideas and tips for feeding your little one with this cookbook, Great Expectations: Best Food for Your Baby and Toddler.

38.    Go green (smoothies): Incorporating green smoothies into your diet for an easy way to get a boost of readily absorbable nutrients. Just blend up these yummy green smoothie recipes to help increase your energy and feel healthier from the inside out.   

39.    Meditate your stress away: If your New Year’s resolutions included minimizing your stress levels this year, try this wonderful audio CD, Stress Management: Meditation and Affirmations by Peg Doyle, an Integrative Nutrition graduate!

40.    Nutrition on the go! Don’t let being busy take away from your nutrition. Try YouBars! You can chose all of the natural ingredients in your fresh, customized nutrition bar so it meets all of your prefernces and needs!

41.    Sparkle me well: Check out these beautiful iloveme rings and necklaces from jeWELLery, they are a "gentle reminder to love yourself so you can open your heart, receive love and share it with others." Made by Be Well With Arielle, an Integrative Nutrition graduate and health coach.

42.    Want to say no to GMOs? The Non-GMO Project has created great resources to help you make informed decisions about the foods you are putting in your body. You can even sign the consumer pledge to support the preservation of a non-GMO food supply.

43.    Animal love: Keep your pets healthy along side of you! Find natural and holistic health products for your sweet animals here.

44.    Listen for health: Check out these weekly holistic health pod-casts that explore all different aspects of wellness.

45.    Strike a pose. Experience the benefits yoga can provide for your body and mind. It’s never too late to start or learn something new. Check out Simple Yoga, a website and community dedicated to everything yoga.

46.    Kick your coffee habit. If you fuel up on caffeine daily, try these 11 tips to say goodbye to your daily buzz and hello to better health.

47.    Mindfully make your way towards health. An Integrative Nutrition graduate created Mindful Organics, where you can get health tips, nourishing organic baking mixes, and detoxifying juice kits!

48.    All in the family! Check out Kiwi Magazine online, committed to “Growing families the natural and organic way,” for great articles, products, recipes and resources.  

49.    Continuing Education. Learn to cook or sharpen your skills with these free online cooking demonstrations! Cooking your own food is a great way to set yourself on the path to health!

50.    Eat smart with us! Integrative Nutrition’s healthy recipe directory has some of the best tasting healthy snacks, meals and dessert ideas around.

Feel free to bookmak this page for your future reference, or pass it along to your friends and family to help move everyone towards health and happiness!

It is no surprise that Americans need to change their health habits. Even though there has been an increase in sales in organic foods and natural food stores have received more business, there are still millions of Americans who consume large amounts of chemicalized, artificial junk foods. Something is not clicking.

8 out of 10 Americans suffer from chronic ailments because of unhealthy lifestyles. People continue to see their doctors and spend an exorbitant amount of money on health care, but they continue to get sicker. What’s up with that?

We need to rethink the system so Americans are spending less on medications and operations and are actually seeing improvements in their health.

This month, the Senate has been reevaluating this system and what that reform would look like. It has been suggested that health coaches would be a tier of health care providers that don’t cost a lot to train, but could provide the infrastructure to people to make it easy to eat right, exercise and incorporate other lifestyle improvements like spirituality, a stress-free career, etc.

In a CNN interview, Dr. Mehmet Oz reported that health coaches should be a part of every public clinic, medical office and hospital wellness center. These health care providers should be reimbursed by insurance companies, corporate wellness programs and so on.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could have their own health coach to make dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments so they can stop putting their hard-earned money into medications and operations?

Watch out world here we come!

This article talks about the movement that's focusing on maintaining a state of optimal health rather than targeting symptoms or treating a disease. Doctors, nurses and other health practitioners want Americans to be more mindful of how we choose the foods we eat, the activities we engage in and our relationships with others.

The article outlines some steps you can take to achieve optimal health:

Consider what's right with you. Thank your body for doing the work that it does. Thank your eyes for seeing, your liver for functioning and your feet for carrying you from place to place.

Love yourself unconditionally. We are too hard on ourselves. If you set a weight-loss goal think of something nice to do for yourself throughout the journey and something really nice when you achieve that weight.

Live in the present moment. So what if you forgot to exercise yesterday. What are you going to do right now?

When life gets tough, don't take it personally. Try to get out of the “if only” mind-set. It’s important to accept responsibility for your actions, but look to the present rather than the past. What are you going to do that's different right now, at this moment, to move forward?

Put the "being" back in human. Somewhere along the way we switched to human doings—always emailing, texting or running to the next event. Try to take time out of every day to just be.

This shows the value of the work that you do at Integrative Nutrition. We note only coach people on the benefits of whole foods, but also healthy lifestyle choices. As a student or graduate of Integrative Nutrition you are a part of a very powerful movement.