Joshua Rosenthal is my amazing teacher from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is a pioneer and visionary in holistic health and wellness. He holds a Master’s of Science in Education and has over 30 years of experience in health and wellness including creation of the concept of Health Coach.

Long before the benefits of proper nutrition and lifestyle were mainstream, Joshua's fascination with personal growth and development led him to experiment with simple changes to his own diet and lifestyle. Through this process, he realised that food changes everything. He knew that if he could spread this message, he would make the world a healthier and happier place. With this mission in mind, Joshua founded the Institute for Integrative Nutrition 25 years ago. IIN started with a small group of students in a rented kitchen in New York City and has grown into an online global phenomenon with over 60,000 students and graduates from over 120 countries. His vision and leadership have empowered people to reach their personal and professional goals, and continue to exponentially improve the landscape of the health and wellness industry around the world.

That's a pretty big deal and I couldn't be more excited to be getting to know him on a more personal level through our interview.

Meet our November's Master of the Month...

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY OF EATING AND DRINKING.

What I eat really depends on how I feel and what season of the year it is. Over time, I’ve learned to really listen and tune in with what my body is craving.  In the morning though, I always start my day with a big glass of water with lemon and a green juice or smoothie.  The next time I’m hungry, I’ll sit down to a big raw kale salad and dinner is usually another plant based dish.  I work pretty much all day long because I’m very involved with each department at IIN.  It’s important to me that they feel supported, so I’m lucky that my partner, Alex is an absolutely amazing cook.  I take breaks so we can eat every meal together.

WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO EAT WELL AND STAY HEALTHY?

Alex, my family, and Integrative Nutrition – its mission, our students, and graduates.  I want to stay healthy so I can be the best version of myself in every aspect of my life.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?

I love chocolate, but I don’t consider it a weakness.  When you start considering foods as weaknesses it creates a dependency on utilizing them as a crutch or reward.  Just like we teach bio-individuality in our program, in my book no food is “good” or “bad”, it’s all about learning what works for you and how to treat yourself when your body is truly craving it.

MY TOP TIP FOR:

Improving your diet is… learn how to understand where your cravings are coming from, it’s usually because something else is missing in your life.

Staying healthy while travelling is… really important, but it’s also important to enjoy what other cultures have to offer. I always look to eat what is fresh and local.

Detoxing is… A food that feels detoxifying to me may feel toxic to someone else.

WHAT’S THE NICEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER SAID TO YOU?

That IIN’s Health Coach Training Program changed their life and the lives of their families and communities.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED?

As someone who had an impact on the world and helped others.

IF YOU GOT TO KEEP ONLY 3 OF YOUR BELONGINGS: 1 THING FROM YOUR KITCHEN, 1 THING FROM YOUR GARDEN AND 1 THING FROM YOUR BOOKSHELF- WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Kitchen: Juicer. Alex and I love our morning juices!

Garden: the kale, there are so many nutrients that have positive effects on my mind, body, and soul, I could never give it up.

Bookshelf: my book, Integrative Nutrition Feed your Hunger for Health & Happiness, it’s just something I’m really proud of.

IF YOU COULD HOST A DINNER PARTY FOR 3 GUESTS (DEAD OR ALIVE)- WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU SERVE?

To be honest, the best dinner party I can imagine would have all of the people I love most in my life.  When I’m around those people is when I feel most fulfilled, happy, and content.  There’s nothing quite like it.  Alex and I would serve a table of food cooked with love – everything from raw salads with veggies from the garden to grass fed meat bought at the local farm and whole ancient grains.  I would want to make sure there was something for everyone!

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT LIFE IS BETTER RAW (OR WITH MORE PLANTS IN YOUR DIET)?

I believe that moving towards a more plant based diet can make people more balanced and vibrant. I tend to eat a primarily plant based diet. However, it’s important for people to keep bio-individuality in mind.  What works for me and what works for you may not work for someone else.  I recommend experimenting with different types of protein and various foods to see how you feel and fulfill your dietary needs based on what you learn and understand that what your body needs day to day can change, and that’s okay!

——————————————————-

Our Master of The Month shares his favourite recipe…

ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH PESTO
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves 2

3 large zucchini/ courgette

2 bunches basil

1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp sea salt, or to taste

Black pepper, to taste

· Wash, pat dry, and trim zucchini ends. Create noodles using a spiralizer tool.

· Option: Sauté your “noodles” in olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

· Wash and dry basil and add to blender with pine nuts, lemon, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.

· Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil and/or water as needed.

· Toss zucchini noodles with pesto

-------------------------------------------------------

For more on Joshua, his book, the IIN health coach program and to sample a free class, go here>>