The IIN Community of Well BeIINgs: Abbie Crane, on Coming Home to Her True Self

Name: Abbie Crane 
Location: San Clemente, California, United States 

Instagram: @houseofabbie

Q: What inspired you to enroll at IIN? 

A: Wellness was always ingrained in me. I grew up in Southern California, and both of my parents were hippies. Our family was living the typical California lifestyle: gardening, surfing, taking a more holistic approach to life. My sister and I were homeschooled and felt very cared for and loved by the community that our parents had built for us.  

When I was 14, my parents went through a divorce that was incredibly shocking and traumatizing for me. I became very controlling with food and ended up losing my period. My mom took me to a functional medicine doctor who worked with me to eventually get my period back. It was this experience that sparked my health journey and made me realize that I needed to return to a lot of what I was taught growing up. There was never any “good” or “bad” energy put into the things we did or the food we ate – it simply was. I needed to find my way home to those things and find what worked for me. 

Fast forward – I’m 44, I have three sons (I’ve always wanted to be a mom!). My husband and I had just sold our business, and I was looking to start my next venture that I wanted to be heart led. I found IIN through Melissa Wood-Tepperberg (a graduate of and visiting faculty member in the Health Coach Training Program), and I've never looked back.

Q: How are you using your Health Coach Training Program education? 

A: I knew I wanted to write a book – I already had the idea brewing when I enrolled in the Health Coach Training Program. When I graduated, I immediately enrolled in the Launch Your Dream Book Course, and I’m currently working on my book. 

Q: How did your understanding of spirituality expand upon taking the program? 

A: My understanding of spirituality has been affirmed, in that our beliefs have the power to truly nourish us. With this understanding, I’ve been able to give myself more grace to trust the process of my life as it unfolds. I love having the term primary (as in primary food, an IIN core concept) to resource now, when referring to my spirituality. This underscores its place in my life.

Q: How are you living a life you love? How did the program help you achieve this? 

A: I’m living a life I love by being aware of the freedom that comes with living from the inside out. More heart, less head. We are such dynamic human beings, with many dimensions.  

Studying IIN’s core concept of bio-individuality and learning more than 100 dietary theories showed me a broader perspective. There’s a sort of peace that arises when you realize there’s no one right way.  

Today, I’m honoring what feels right and allowing each day to be unique. Feeling my way through, with less rigidity, is new for me. IIN helped me to see the value in listening to my body and to trust in the wisdom within. Acceptance and grace create the space to feel more self-love. 

Q: Health is not a destination; it's an evolution and a journey. How does this resonate with you? 

A: At 44, my focus is shifting back from secondary food (the food on my plate) to primary food (all the areas of life that nourish me off the plate).  

When I was a young girl, I was very much in touch with my creative, joyful side. I listened to my instincts without judgment. I’m having fun right now, bringing her back to life!  

Food fads come and go. Our bodies are constantly changing as we age. Being willing to be flexible to try new things through diet, exercise, or emotional awareness has endless opportunities for positive growth. Life has a beautiful way of unfolding, when you lean in the direction of your heart.

Q: Did IIN help you find a way of eating that works for you? If so, tell us more about that journey. 

A: My eating journey began when I was 16 years old, when my doctor recommended I eat more red meat and take supplements to get my period back on track. It’s been a constant evolution ever since. IIN reiterated and reaffirmed what a personal journey it is. That helped me find peace in the choices I’m making. There’s scientific evidence to support a variety of eating styles, so go within, trust how you feel, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Q: How do you nourish yourself beyond your plate, with primary foods? 

A: Right now, I’m finding so much joy swimming with my girlfriends on Friday mornings. It’s a beautiful way for us all to be together, outside. exercising and sharing stories. Cooking at home has been a constant evolution for me over the past 22 years. Having a family of hungry boys to feed, I’ve been motivated to create delicious, healthy meals. Cooking’s great because when you’re in the mood, it feels joyful, creative, and sociable all at once. And when I’m not in the mood, I order out.

Q: If you could tell your pre-IIN self one thing, what would it be? 

A: Go for it. It’ll be one of the best decisions of your life. The information you’ll learn is priceless.

Q: What’s your morning routine? 

A: I love my morning routine. I wake up about 6am, take a bioidentical thyroid pill, drink a glass of water, wait an hour, and chill. During that hour, I love to read my daily devotional books and journal.  

Around 7am, I make my favorite cup of tea, with collagen topped with warm frothed coconut/almond milk. Lately, I’ve been enjoying a slice of grain-free bread with açai raw nut butter.  

I love to move my body in the morning. I swim laps with friends, lift weights, walk on the beach, or ride my indoor stationary bike. I started dry brushing a few years ago, and I’m still enjoying its invigorating effects. When I can get up enough courage, I’ll take a cold shower before I start my day.

Q: What music do you play to get out of a funk? 

A: Bruno Mars: “Perm,” “Versace on the Floor,” and “Talking to the Moon.” Adele: “Easy on Me” and “I Drink Wine.” 

In addition to Bruno Mars and Adele, some of my favorite songs to listen to are off the playlists that I asked my sons to make for me. Each list is unique, and the songs they selected remind me of their special spirits. One is playful, one is classic, and one is soulful. I love having their hand-selected music to listen to when I need a pick-me-up or when I just want to feel close to them.

Q: What's your favorite on-the-go snack? 

A: I’m never without snacks in my purse. You can often find me with green olives, for some satisfying healthy fat; macadamia nuts, for something salty; jerky, for pure protein; or a hit of dark chocolate. 

Q: What's one thing you can't run your business without? 

A: People. I live to connect and collaborate with others.

Q: We’re calling our IIN graduates and community members Well BeIINgs. How do you embody well-being? 

A: By embodying all of me. By bringing all my parts into the light. No pressure or “should”s dictating to me throughout my day. Being able to observe my thoughts and witness how I’m talking to myself creates the space to self-correct, with the ultimate goal being to love and accept myself so I can love and accept others.  

You can start living a life you love, right now. Take our free Sample Class to dive in.