What Do Health Coaches Do? – The IIN Approach
Although I am still training and not allowed to call myself an IINtegrative Nutrition Coach, I would like to give an overview of what a health coach does at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). Health coaches guide clients toward meaningful, sustainable change by focusing on the whole person, recognizing that health is deeply personal and multidimensional.
1. Bio-Individuality
IIN-trained health coaches view each client as a unique individual. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach. Coaches tailor their support to align with a client's personal values, goals, and needs—honouring both the client's and the coach’s individuality.
2. Multidimensional View of Health
Health is seen as a dynamic balance of:
Physical (nutrition, movement, sleep)
Mental (mindset, focus)
Emotional (stress, relationships)
Spiritual (connection, purpose)
This holistic lens allows coaches to help clients find harmony in all areas of life.
3. Primary and Secondary Foods
Health coaches look beyond what's on the plate:
Primary Food: Non-food sources of nourishment—like relationships, career, exercise, and spirituality.
Secondary Food: Actual food intake, shaped by lifestyle, environment, beliefs, culture, and more.
Understanding both areas provides deeper insight into a client’s habits and challenges.
4. Integrative Coaching Method
Using IIN’s coaching tools, health coaches:
Help clients identify where they are vs. where they want to be.
Guide them through lifestyle shifts at a sustainable pace.
Encourage self-discovery and accountability.
Empower clients to find their own solutions.
5. Collaboration and Support
Health coaches often work in partnership with other healthcare providers. They serve as supportive allies, helping clients integrate medical advice into everyday life while fostering long-term, self-driven change.
