"Do you dream of turning your passion for wellness into something more?"

That was the question that kept popping up as I found myself at a crossroad in my corporate marketing job. I was looking for a way to turn my passion for nutrition, cooking and holistic health into a career that would allow me a flexible schedule, sustainable income and a greater impact within my community.

When I shifted away from the corporate world, I dreamt of a one-on-one health coaching practice after enrolling in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I could have never imagined the path that I’m now, and am incredibly grateful to have created a unique career that I love. 

The professional training I sought first was through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. This  allowed me to receive the title of certified integrative nutrition health coach, but it was just the beginning. Wellness is an ever-evolving field, so continuing education comes with the territory as you evolve as a professional and further define your niche. 

I believe that just as each individual is unique in her nutritional needs, so are we as professionals in the career path that we choose within health and wellness. I hope I’m able to inspire you as you begin to dream about your own wellness career! 

HERE’S A GLIMPSE INTO WHAT MY DAYS LOOK LIKE AS A CULINARY NUTRITION PROFESSIONAL:

  • Creating customized menu plans for private chef meal prep clients
  • Cooking in dreamy kitchens while prepping foods for private chef meal prep clients
  • Hosting monthly group cooking classes, private cooking classes, or individual cooking lessons
  • Creating customized menu plans for clients with specific dietary restrictions who want to DIY prep and cooking
  • Writing articles for media outlets or prepping for on-air interviews
  • Creating new recipes for classes, cookbooks and/or the blog
  • Creating new cooking tutorial videos for Instagram
  • Facilitating wellness workshops at corporations


… and more.

As you can see, I do a lot. Each day looks different, and sometimes it feels like the work might never stop, but I love it. I’ve never worked harder and yet felt so satisfied in my career.

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)

While there are several programs out there that will enable you to pursue a career in health and wellness, I believe that the Institute for Integrative Nutrition is one of the best. I chose this program based on a gut feeling that it was the next best step for me. I respect the vast network of sought-after wellness professionals who support and engage in the program, and was inspired by what the graduate health coaches were able to achieve in their careers. 

The mission of IIN is to play a crucial role in improving health and happiness, and throughout the process, create a ripple effect that transforms the world. The core belief at IIN is bio individuality – that there is no one size fits all approach. The Institute for Integrative Nutrition is the only school that explores more than 100 different dietary theories. It is a year-long virtual program that focuses on nutrition, coaching and business, and will empower you to transform your life and achieve your personal and professional goals. 

Study with the World’s Top Wellness Experts

Throughout the year-long program at IIN, you will have the opportunity to learn from over 100 world-class educators who are leading physicians, researchers, doctors and nutrition experts at the forefront of the health and wellness movement. Some of my favorite include: 

  • Dr. Joel Furman, author of Eat for Health: Lose Weight and Keep it Off 
  • Dr. Walter Willet, Chairman of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health 
  • Marion Nestle, Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University
  • Dr. Barry Sears, Founder of The Zone Diet
  • Dr. Andrew Weil, Director of The Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and Founder of True Food Kitchen 

Tuition Savings

Interested in learning more about IIN? Let’s chat! I would love to share with you my experience and guide you along your journey towards becoming a health coach. Because the world needs more health coaches and together, we can create a movement of change. 

The start of any new program is an investment, so I would encourage you to take your time and do your research to know if IIN is right for you. Talk to graduates of other programs, research their teachers and read the materials. If you decide to contact IIN and are considering enrolling, you can use my friends and family discount by requesting to add Carly Paige as your ambassador to receive a significant discount off of your tuition rate. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out ! I would love to hear from you.

Nutritious Life Certification

Founded by Keri Glassman, celebrity nutritionist and registered dietitian, Nutritious Life is designed to provide cutting-edge nutrition and wellness education with the support of a thriving community of wellness professionals. Learn more about my review of the Nutritious Life Certification, here.

I chose this program for a few different reasons: to sharpen my knowledge in nutrition with the support of a Registered Dietitian and to get further connected into a community of like-minded professionals. Keri is beyond generous with her knowledge, time and mentorship. I really feel like this program gave me the boost in credibility that I was looking for!

Plantlab Culinary

Plantlab was founded with the intention of promoting conscious, sustainable living through top-tier culinary and wellness education. A combination of classic culinary training and modern techniques, ensures alumni feel empowered to pursue their culinary goals and share their knowledge with the community. Check out my weekly journals while enrolled in Plantlab, here. Unfortunately, Plantlab is currently closed for new applications. 

From the get go, I knew that I wanted training beyond wellness. Even though I grew up cooking in the kitchen, I wanted to learn more about the philosophy of food as medicine as well as work within a professional culinary space. Although I was hosting cooking classes before culinary school, this experience took everything I do to the next level, and I was able to grow in more ways than one from it.

Get Inspired

Find your love for cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. Latest recipes, simply swapped tips and how to guides can all be found here.

Menu planning done for you

Free weekly meal plans to make healthy eating a breeze. Each weekly plan includes meal prep tips and recipe notes.

Learn to Cook

Home cooked meals can be easy and should always be delicious. Boost your kitchen confidence with video tutorials and recipe how-tos.

Get the Cookbook

Simply Swapped Everyday is your guide to elevating the everyday through mindful methods, ingredient swaps and over 75 plant-powered recipes. Cooking healthy foods at home has never been easier or more delicious!