FOOD COACH ACADEMY
THE PROGRAM
The Food Coach Academy was built upon the work and experience of 40+ experts from the United States, Europe, and Canada in nutrition, dietetics, the culinary arts and sciences, healthcare, taste and flavor, coaching, behavior and eating change. Over a 3-year period, they collectively reviewed over 2,500 research articles and summarized food science as medicine. Then, the chefs translated that into culinary competencies. Their work raised the question: what should a person be able to do in the kitchen and at the store to follow the food guidelines from their clinician? The Food Coach Academy and accompanying textbook provides the answers to that question!
Courses are intentionally created for a wide range of students, from the home cook to clinicians, the chef, and everyone in between. The 13 modules begin with mastering food, coaching, and eating fundamentals, then move on to the centerpiece - taste and flavor. Next in line are the essentials in building a teaching and home kitchen, with the course advancing through ten comprehensive explorations of food categories, including Fruits, Vegetables, Dairy, Grains, Protein (both animal and plant-based), Fats & Oils, Beverages, Salt, and Sugar.
THE CURRICULUM
Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in culinary medicine and food as medicine, covering all essential aspects of nutrition, cooking, and health coaching. The delivery of the information is science-based and reflects how food coaches will approach behavior change with their clients (a modular approach).
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This curriculum progression allows students to systematically build their knowledge and skills, from basic principles to advanced culinary medicine and nutrition concepts.
The 13 In-Depth Modules:
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Fundamentals of Nutrition, Eating, and Health Coaching
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Kitchen Essentials and Culinary Techniques
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Taste & Flavor: The Science and Art of Delicious, Healthy Eating
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Exploring Fruits: Nutrition and Culinary Applications
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Vegetables: Maximizing Nutrition and Flavor
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Sodium: Balancing Flavor and Health
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Grains: From Ancient to Modern, Understanding Their Role in Diet
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Fats & Oils: Types, Uses, and Health Considerations
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Animal Proteins: Selection, Preparation, and Health Implications
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Plant Proteins: Incorporating Variety and Balance
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Sugar: Understanding Its Impact and Alternatives
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Dairy & Alternatives: Nutritional Comparisons and Culinary Uses
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Beverages: Hydration, Nutrition, and Health
THE INSTRUCTORS
Culinary Skills
Rouxbe, the #1 online cooking school in the world, brings a team of world-class chef educators and former culinary school executives dedicated to teaching culinary techniques to students.
Culinary Medicine/Food is Medicine
The Food Coach Academy's content is created by a team of over 40 experts in nutrition, health and wellness, flavor, and behavior change. Dr. Kennedy is the lead instructor, bringing her expertise in culinary medicine, nutrition biochemistry, and value-based medicine to the team.
Motivational Interviewing
The Health Education and Training Institute brings a team of Motivational Interviewing instructors to the academy, which allows students to have one-on-one training experiences.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A FOOD COACH
Certified Food Coaches can work in various settings:
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Healthcare and Physicians: Teach patients how to cook and prepare recommended foods in cooking classes, shared medical visits, or one-on-one sessions.
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Human Resources and Employers: Run cooking classes, create engaging content and programming, and provide onsite employee support.
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Food Produce and Meal Delivery Services: Provide one-on-one support and culinary training for patients, answer cooking questions, and support the referring clinician.
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Private Practice: Open your own business to support community members and patients by teaching them how to shop, plan, and cook food that matches their clinician’s recommendations or their own food goals.
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The Culinary Field: Set up and/or work in a Teaching Kitchen. Transform menu options in traditional kitchens.
WHY ENROLL IN THE PROGRAM
Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Academy was built on these three principles - from recipe development to coaching strategies.
Focus on Utilize Culinary Competencies for Dietary Changes
Equip clients with the culinary skills and knowledge required to implement dietary recommendations effectively.
Apply Food-Based Motivational Interviewing Techniques
Develop the ability to support and guide clients on their food journey through food-focused motivational interviewing conversations developed for this Academy.
Encourage Change One Bite at a Time
The Academy's foundational element is a scientifically based, modular approach to learning and behavior change. Clients focus on making one change at a time, which makes healthy eating sustainable and enjoyable.
Respect the Client's Plant-Forward Journey
The Academy focuses on encouraging a plant-forward diet but does not teach that becoming a vegan or vegetarian is required for good health. With 3% of Americans identifying as vegans and 5% as vegetarians, it is up to each individual to decide how far down the plant-path they want to go.
Recognized by ACF as an approved program. You can earn 510 CEHs towards Culinary Medicine expertise.
In Partnership with ROUXBE.
WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the cost of the program?
The program costs $4,496 for the first 50 students, which includes a 25% discount. This price is competitive, as it offers both health coaching and cooking instructor training.
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How does the Food Coach Academy work with non-profit organizations?
Our mission is to train individuals who live, work, or worship with underserved populations. We actively partner with non-profits to sponsor students from these communities. If you know of a suitable organization, please contact Dr. Kennedy at culinaryrehab@gmail.com.
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Is there a time limit to complete the program?
No, there is no time limit. You can take as long as you need to finish the courses.
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Are there specific start dates for the program?
No, there are no set start dates. You can enroll anytime during the year and progress at your own pace.
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How long does it typically take to complete the program?
The program consists of 13 courses over three terms. Most students complete it between 6 months and a year, but the duration can vary depending on how much you practice the cooking, coaching, and assessment skills.
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What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Graduates can find opportunities in healthcare settings, hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, employers' wellness programs, restaurants, food pantries, teaching kitchens, Food is Medicine Centers, and companies producing medically tailored meals.
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Is there an alumni program?
Yes, graduates will find networking opportunities and continued support in their journey as a Food Coach through the robust alumni program.
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What qualifications do I need to enroll in the program?
Students need to have graduated from high school and have a basic knowledge of nutrition (10 hours on general nutrition) - list the macronutrients and describe a vitamin and mineral.
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Are there any prerequisites for the course?
A high school diploma.
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How is the program delivered?
The program is 100% online, allowing you to study from anywhere at your own pace.
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Are there any in-person components to the program?
No there is not. It is all done virtually.
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Are there any one-on-one opportunities in the program?
Students will have the opportunity to meet with Dr Deb virtually after each of the three terms to review progress. In addition, students are able to meet with experts in motivational interviewing through virtual drop in sessions that are offered throughout the week.
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What kind of support is available to students during the program? Students are wrapped in support for the three crucial elements of the program. They have real time access to:
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Professional chefs who will be evaluating their cooking skills and answering any questions that they may have.
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A team of motivational interviewing experts who are available for drop-in weekly sessions where they can get support and guidance.
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Dr Deb who mentors, guides, and answers student’s questions throughout the program. There are one-on-one check-ins after each term so that no student is left behind.
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Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid options are available. Students can pay as little as $156 per month.
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Is the program accredited?
The American Culinary Federation credits 510 hours of continuing education hours
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What sets the Food Coach Academy apart from other health coaching programs?
It uniquely combines culinary skill building, food is medicine science, and health coaching principles so that graduates can work on skill building (cooking skills) alongside coaching. The cooking skill-building focus is missing in most other programs to date.
WHAT'S BEING SAID
“As a dietitian, I can list off countless food facts and provide just as many ways to build a balanced plate. I can instruct clients in many different states of health and disease which foods they should include in their diet to promote health. What I didn’t realize I was missing in my counseling was the how of doing this. While it’s helpful for my clients to know how many servings of vegetables to aim for each day, it’s even more beneficial to know how to make increasing vegetable intake feel like a delicious adventure and less like a dreaded chore.”
—Julia MS, MPH, RD
"A practical and evidence-based grains course written for dietitians by dietitians. This hands-on content can be done at your own pace and will give you confidence in helping your clients develop usable skills in the kitchen to incorporate more nutritious foods into their everyday eating.”
—Jasna Robinson-Wright, MSc, RD, CDE, CIEC