As part of the IINH Student Spotlight series, we will be visiting some of our alumni from both our Nutrition & Health Coaching and Nutritional Therapy courses to see what sparked their interest in nutrition, discuss their nutrition philosophies and find out what they’ve been up to since studying with IINH.
We recently received an update from Alex Dobbs, who graduated from IINH in 2012. Her story is one of finding her path and trusting where it takes you.
About Alex
Hello, my name is Alex, I’m an IINH graduate, Nutritional Therapist, and owner of Grassroots Nutrition, based in Greystones and Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow, as well as online. My path into nutrition began close to home. I set out to understand my own health, and discovered along the way just how much food can shape how we feel.
Today, I work with the principles of Functional Medicine and cPNI (clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology) to help reduce inflammation and restore balance in my clients, blending evidence-based science with over a decade of clinical experience. My work has taken many forms over the years, from private practice to corporate talks, community groups, and even courses teaching clients to grow their own food.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Nutrition & Health Coaching or Nutritional Therapy?
Throughout my childhood and teens I felt different and knew something was up. First suffering from constant tummy aches and stomach issues, and then my diagnosis of severe endometriosis at age 25 set me on a track to finding out more about my health and how I can help myself. Learning that what you eat can make all the difference in either feeling absolutely amazing or completely down spurred me on to study with IINH.
So what made you decide to study with IINH?
I studied before online courses had become popular. As we were living locally at the time, the IINH in Bray seemed a good option to take. Upon closer view of the course content I realised that this course was perfect for me. It was meant to be!
The focus on individual body systems and how they all work together, and how food works in our bodies, combined with Maggie’s excellent cooking classes and really well run teaching modules taught be everything I needed to know to get started.
How has your training influenced your approach to health and wellness?
Studying with IINH gave me a sound foundation and knowledge in how food can nourish and build us up. The courses specifically taught me to eat well and nourish my body using all the vegetables and fruits of the rainbow, herbs, spices, and good quality meat and fish. Most importantly, though, I learned to have balance. This means having fun with food, relaxing around food, and cooking and eating with friends and family.
Can you describe a memorable experience or achievement since graduating?
Using food to heal can take so many shapes and forms. As a Nutritional Therapist, I have really developed the ways in which I can help my clients using food, from private practice, to giving talks in corporate and community settings, to running courses teaching clients to garden. Using food to heal can take many shapes.”
What’s been the most unexpected or exciting part of your journey so far?
When you start out as a Nutritional Therapist and set up your practice, you have a plan and follow it for a while. But give it a couple of years, and you’ll notice people taking interest in what you do and wanting you to get involved in theirs, and you’ll naturally start growing and developing your own practice. I have always allowed myself to be inspired by other people, and to be challenged to change my practice and keep learning.
What would you say to someone thinking about studying with IINH?
Go for it!! Even if you “only” use your new knowledge for yourself or your family, it’s so worth it. Studying with the IINH is learning for a better life.
Instagram: @grassroots_nutrition_ie
If you’ve been inspired by Alex’s story and would like to start a new career, learn more about our Nutrition & Health Coaching and Nutritional Therapy courses.
