2012: What’s IIN and What’s Out

We named 2011 “A Monumental Year for Health Coaching” in our blogpost at the end of December. As awesome as last year was, we have even greater expectations for 2012. Check out some of our favorite changes for 2012, drawn from both the news and our own fantastic community!

Out: MyPyramid

IIN: MyPlate

The classic food pyramid has been overhauled in favor of a round plate. The portions indicated by the plate are not only more realistic, but place a greater emphasis on making fruits and vegetables at least half of your daily diet!

Out: Exercising to Look Good

IIN: Exercising to Feel Good

Running until you’re sore every day, trying to reach that ideal weight? It might be time to reexamine your health goals. Try new exercises and find a physical activity that makes you feel energized and alive. You’ll start exercising because you love it, and not because of the number on the scale.

Out: Pizza as a Veggie

IIN: Veggie Prescriptions

We were so bummed when Congress ruled that the tomato paste on pizza would continue to count as a vegetable in school lunches. However, we were also thrilled about the rising trend of medical professionals recommending “vegetable prescriptions” before medication. Some physicians are even handing out vouchers for farmer’s market produce! It’s great for their patients’ health, and also for local farmers!

Out: Fast Food

IIN: Slow Food

September 2011, we were introduced to what we hope will be a recurring event: the Slow Food $5 Challenge. Participants pledged to make a “slow” (meaning home-cooked) meal that cost less than $5 to make in order to prove that eating at home doesn’t have to be expensive. We can’t wait for the 2012 challenge!

Out: Yo-Yo Dieting

IIN: Healthy Transformation

Getting into better shape is a great resolution for the New Year, but be wary of unrealistic goals! Fad diets that promise miracles might help you shed a few pounds fast, but real health (and lasting weight-loss) come from embracing a new lifestyle. Get inspiration for a healthier 2012 from the winner of our Transformation Contest, Sue Brown!

Out: Job Dissatisfaction

IIN: Health Coaching

More than 20,000 Integrative Nutrition graduates have changed their lives with a new career as a certified Health Coach. Come join them!

Out: Flavored Milk

IIN: Healthy School Lunches

All over the country, parents and communities are taking a stand for the health of their children. The fight for healthy school lunches is gaining momentum with the support of high profile advocates like Michelle Obama and the hard work of those like IIN graduates Nancy Easton, co-founder of Wellness in Schools, and Amy Kalafa, author of Lunch Wars.

Out: Food Miles

IIN: Local, Sustainable Produce

Buying imported food means you can have tomatoes all year round, but buying local is tastier and better for the environment. Plus, it supports your community and local economy. We’re happy to see the local, sustainable food movement exploding. From good old-fashioned farmers’ markets to rooftop vegetable gardens, more and more people are finding a way to eat that’s healthy for their bodies and for the planet, too!

Out: Sweating the Small Stuff

IIN: 2020 Vision

Here at IIN, we have a lot of day-to-day obligations and concerns, but we try not to lose sight of the big picture: our 2020 Vision. Our goal is to educate as many people as we can about the positive effects of good food, a nourishing diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Through them, we will create a ripple effect that can change the world. And you’re a vital part of this vision!

What trends are you excited about in 2012?