Our Health Coach Feature series shares the inspiring stories of Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches who are cultivating positive health choices and educating others to live more wholesome lifestyles. Join us twice per month on the IIN Blog to read more about what brought our grads to IIN and what they’re up to now!

Jared Koch, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and nutritional consultant, founded Clean Plates in 2009. Clean Plates integrates food, sustainability, and wellness to help others optimize their health, increase their energy, and perform at their peak in every aspect of life.

Q: What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?
A: I had recently sold my business and also recently completed a different nutrition program.

Q: What led you to explore the Health Coach Training Program?
A: I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue my education or start a coaching practice, and I really didn't have any idea how to start a practice. When I first discovered IIN, I felt like it was the perfect fit to further my education and also teach me how to work with clients and build a coaching practice.

Q: How has your life changed after becoming a Health Coach?
A: I was able to better understand what truly led people (including myself) to change their behavior.

Q: Which topics and modules were most beneficial for you?
A: For me, the most beneficial aspect of the program was being exposed to so many different perspectives about nutrition. It really helped me gain clarity regarding my nutritional philosophy and my approach to helping clients.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you now?
A: I am no longer practicing one-on-one health coaching, but I took the principles from coaching and applied them to my digital media company, Clean Plates. We have over one million monthly visitors to our website and over 500,000 email subscribers on our email list. We produce great content that helps make it easy and enjoyable for people to eat and live better!

Q: What makes you and your practice unique?
A: In addition to helping educate people, we provide practical recommendations so anyone can easily incorporate healthier eating into their lifestyle. We don’t push one specific lifestyle; we empower people to find their own path to healthier.

Q: How do you help your clients be successful? Is there a recent example that stands out for you?
A: I think my clients and readers are successful because I encourage them to think about eating healthier in a non-extreme manner. Making progress is way more important than perfection.

Q: What do you love about your work?
A: I love that it allows me to be creative and help people at the same time.

Q: How have you seen the need for Health Coaches change over the years?
A: I think there has always been a real need as it is very hard to get the same level of attention from a doctor that a Health Coach can give. The great news is that more and more doctors are offering Health Coaches through their practices, and more people have had success with them and are sharing that success with their friends, families, and communities so more people are willing to give it a try.

Q: What’s your tip for balancing your family, work, and personal wellness?
A: I have a three-year-old and a ten-month-old, so finding balance is the hardest it has ever been. I definitely sacrifice some of my own personal wellness, but I get so much love and joy from my family, and I am pretty sure there is nothing healthier than that!

Q: Tell us your favorite way to wake up each day!
A: Cuddling and playing with my kids and wife in bed. It’s hard to get out of bed to go to work most mornings.

Are you interested in pursing a career as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach? Click here to speak with a graduate today!