What a year it has been! As we look back on 2016, we’re truly amazed at just how much progress was made, not just by Health Coaches and the IIN community, but by all of those in the health and wellness world at large. Whether through informative research, updates in policy, or community-oriented programs, we are all a little more knowledgeable about how to take better care of ourselves going into the New Year.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of 2016 below!

Nutrition News

• The new U.S. Dietary Guidelines were released, featuring “healthy eating patterns,” a new limit on sugar and sodium, and a removal of the cholesterol restriction.
• Campbell’s Soup Company announced it would label GMO’s, becoming the first major food manufacturer to do so.
• “Fake food” has been revealed as much more commonplace than we’d like to believe, in fact it is a multi-billion dollar industry according to authorities.
• Antibiotic-free meat is catching on at restaurants nationwide.
• We learned that the sugar industry may have influenced policymaking on nutrition for the past 5 decades, downplaying the effect of sugar on health and inflating the harmful effects of fat.
• Gluten is not the only cause of aggravating inflammatory conditions, shedding light on the mystery of why some who don’t have a gluten allergy still feel better when off gluten.
• Scientists are studying the potential health benefits of cockroach milk, yes really.

IIN News

• Integrative Nutrition celebrated the 2nd annual Health Coach Week, championed by a bipartisan group on congress. We’ve got even more planned for Health Coach Week in 2017!
• We also celebrated our 25th anniversary, having come a long way from a small group in a rented kitchen in New York City.
• Our live conference was held in March with over 1,000 students, graduates, and speakers in attendance, all sharing our collective passion for a healthier, happier world.
• IIN partnered with the Sampson Foundation to give away 12 scholarships to aspiring Health Coaches, who will soon approach their graduation day!
• We celebrated a group of 20 graduates who published a book after completing our Launch Your Dream Book course.

Health News

• The FDA declared that there is no evidence that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than regular soap and water.
• While the USDA recommends more vegetables and fruit in a healthy diet, only a small percentage of subsidies go towards such foods. There’s a clear discrepancy coming to light.
• High blood pressure is becoming an increasing concern for children.
• There is a DNA connection to whether or not you are likely to love (or hate) coffee.
• Exercising consistently actually can make up for a short spurt of overeating, so don’t worry too much about indulging over the holidays. Just be committed to work it off afterwards!
• The Environmental Working Group has identified Potassium Bromide, an additive frequently found in breads and baked goods, as having potentially cancer-causing effects on the body.
• Some health studies pertaining to soda may have been flawed if funded by soft drink manufacturers.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below!