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.
Bronwyn Barry is an IINH graduate of both Nutrition & Health Coaching and Nutritional Therapy, and founder of BeU Fitness & Nutrition, where she supports her clients and community in reclaiming their health. Her path here began while working on cruise ships, where she saw firsthand how little support crew members had for their own wellbeing, often waiting months between contracts just to address basic health issues. That experience shaped her mission ever since.
Today, Bronwyn combines nutrition, fitness, and behavioural change coaching to help clients move from feeling stuck to genuinely empowered, whether that’s supporting gut health for clients on GLP-1s, helping athletes hit new personal bests, or running wellness workshops in schools that have seen students return year after year, some even inspired to pursue nutritional science themselves. For Bronwyn, the goal has always been the same: helping people take real ownership of their health, one sustainable change at a time.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Nutrition & Health Coaching and Nutritional Therapy?
I used to work on cruise ships, and crew members onboard are genuinely some of THE hardest working people in the world. Yet, the facilities to maintain our own health were practically non existent. It was annoying to feel helpless when I was experiencing health issues that I had to wait to address until I got home from a contract (sometimes six months), and I decided that enough was enough- both for myself and crew members in general.
Can you describe a memorable experience or achievement since graduating?
The first wellness workshop I did in a school setting had me on cloud nine- I looked out at the students I was speaking to, and immediately saw my teenage self and how much she just needed to hear “you are already doing so much right.” I have since returned to the same school for three years, and this year I had students from the previous year’s workshop come up to me and share that they were hoping to get leaving cert points to pursue nutritional science and dietetics because of my workshop that they had attended!
How has your training influenced your approach to health and wellness?
My training has centered my practice around the roots of good health. So many lifestyle factors contribute to a person’s wellbeing, and studying the nutritional therapy programme with IINH actually helped me to stop hounding nutrition into the ground, and focus on supporting clients through nutrition AND lifestyle changes that have really helped them see long term success.
How have you seen your work positively impact others?
I’ve seen people take power in their health, as opposed to seeing it as something that can’t be fixed. From helping clients support their digestion and gut integrity on GLP-1s, to recreational athletes competing and getting new PBs I have had the honor of working with dozens of clients to focus on not just the food they are eating, but how well they are able to use their nutrition to their advantage.
What kind of feedback have you received from clients or your community?
Most recently, I had a swimmer compete at a long course international swimming gala in Dublin. After a day of excellent swimming, and a second day of swims that were strong, I received the following message from my client:
“Excited for next season now and building on it for the World Championships next July! Thanks a million for all the help and advice; I definitely would not have gotten any of the PBs this gala if it wasn’t for your work with me the last few months!”
What’s been the most unexpected or exciting part of your journey so far?
I never expected to be giving workshops in my community- I always found the idea of a group setting quite daunting. Now, they are actually my favourite aspect of my work because I see how people connect with their health, but also connect with others and make friends.
What would you say to someone thinking about studying with IINH?
Even if it is a selfish thought for yourself and your own personal benefit- start the programme. The faculty are so knowledgeable and approachable, and the coaching course itself is so comprehensive you will feel like you have gained a multitude of ways to support health within one year alone. Studying with IINH allowed me to gain a new degree whilst working full- time. It certainly was not easy; however, the faculty and staff at IINH did everything they could to help me know my material inside and out, AND graduate on time.
Find her on the below links:
