Celebrating Our Vibrant Community at the October Live Conference

This past weekend, Integrative Nutrition students from all over the country – and the world! – came together in New York for our live conference, while thousands more tuned in via live stream.

We are so proud and grateful for the enthusiasm, curiosity, and talents of our diverse community. That’s why we asked six exceptional students and graduates, chosen for their social media savvy, to share their conference experience on our blog. Get IINspired by their perspective, and then share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Katie Langenhoven
This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a conference that took place in New York City without leaving my home here in Maryland (isn’t technology awesome?). One thing that struck me about the conference was the unity found among a large amount of diversity. I relish the relationships, knowledge and wisdom I have gained through the loving and supportive environment from a school which is so much more than simply a nutrition school. I am excited to be a wave in the ripple of health, support and encouragement washing all over the world!

Clea Shannon
Joshua - once again - created a dynamic balance of motivating testimonials, exciting cutting- edge technology, inspiring wellness-related films, pioneering research and activism, hands-on coaching practice and heartfelt movement. Throughout the day we heard from graduates, students and staff who have transformed their own lives and created a ripple effect of health and wellness in their communities – as close as New York and as far away as Israel.

Catherine Vo
What I love most about attending the Institute for Integrative Nutrition is the embrace and respect of bio-individuality. Whether we are being taught the pros and cons of diets that range from vegan to omnivorous, we are asked to keep an open mind. And though it may be difficult to do so, it becomes increasingly important for us students to take away the bigger picture of what each specific diet is trying to convey. A great example from IIN’s Live Conference this past weekend is the talk given by Nina Planck, a well-known farmers’ market entrepreneur, local foodist, and advocate for traditional foods.

Sherrie Scaglione
The staff at IIN constantly remind us of our primary foods and how they are more than what you find on your plate. Healthy relationships, regular physical activity, a fulfilling career and a spiritual practice can fill your soul and satisfy your hunger for life. When primary food is balanced in your life, it feeds you making what you eat secondary.

Rachel Chermerynski
Joshua reminded us of the importance of setting your intention. What is your intention? Today? This week? This year? He also said something that really stood out to me: “Always make sure you are coming from a place of honesty and integrity. When you work from your heart you can never go wrong.” How true is that?

Heather Warner
Over the weekend we heard from vegans and real food (raw milk, pasture animals) lovers, got some banging recipes for kale and quinoa, learned about the connection between hormones and food, understood the relationship between advertising dollars and what we put in our mouths, and we ever learned some moves to show off at and Indian wedding. It was amazing to see leaders in their field speaking live, especially my hero Marion Nestle, but it was the graduate testimonials that really lit a fire inside me.  If they could go out and change the world, why couldn’t I?  

Want to keep up with our IIN Live bloggers? Follow our Twitter list to see their latest updates!

What did you learn from this weekend’s conference?