Integrative nutrition coaching is “a brand that looks at the whole person,” King told ConsumerAffairs. Some nutrition coaches are functional dietitians that look at how lifestyle factors, genetics and the mind-body connection affect the food choices you make. Others may hold a certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN).
Beydoun cautioned that the term “integrative nutrition coaching” is a loosely defined concept and isn’t considered standard practice, however. If you are interested in this type of coaching, look for ones affiliated with a hospital, as they will be more credible and evidence-based. Beydoun added that dietitians who work in hospitals don’t tend to use integrative nutrition because it isn’t a part of evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.
“Nutrition coaching certifications from programs like IIN are popular, but are not considered credible by many science-based practitioners,” Beydoun explained. “Since the field of nutrition coaching is largely unregulated, programs like IIN often include unsupported claims.”