Integrative nutrition is a term from the alternative and holistic world that you may not be familiar with. It is an approach to nutrition that integrates a variety of different dietary theories. These include new theories and old, Northern and Eastern theories, as well as Southern and Western.

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City was one of the first of its kind to teach this combined concept of health ideas. This nutrition school emphasizes the importance of health and well-being but it goes one step further and delves into the personal side of diet, not to mention the social and political aspects of such. Whether someone wants to learn about the vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, or wants to study the Atkins diet, integrative nutrition can provide this information. The same goes for people who want to go further back in time and look at ancient ways and the roots of such practices as ayurveda and macrobiotics.

Studying at a school that teaches integrative nutrition means that a student will be presented with a holistic type of mindset. This mindset may challenge many of the conventional ideas that he or she may have adopted from the influences such as family members, friends, teachers and even the media. This school of thought seeks to provide its students with a new way of looking at health by taking into consideration all of the elements needed to be not just healthy but also happy.

Primary food is a concept that is an essential element of integrative nutrition. Primary food refers to what is required to lead a healthy and fulfilling life that has purpose at its center. It is not about food per se, but it encompasses many things such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, the fostering of healthy relationships and finding fulfillment in one's career path. Integrative nutrition also addresses the spiritual element of the soul and how nourishing it can support an individual's quest for a more joyful life.

This combined approach to wellness, healthy eating, physical activity and personal growth can offer a new way of approaching living in general. Instead of separating all of the elements of living a healthy and purposeful life, it brings them all together to be viewed as a whole. The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York was founded by a man named Joshua Rosenthal, who is also the director of the school. Some of the instructors are well known, such as Deepak Chopra.