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 theyโve been up to since studying with IINH.
ABOUT NIAMH STILWELL
Hello, my name is Niamh Stilwell and I set up Anua Health Coaching after a passion for sports nutrition grew into something much bigger, a genuine curiosity about how food shapes our health and wellbeing more broadly. Today, I work with clients managing or at risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as those simply looking to improve their energy, sleep, and overall wellbeing, helping them cut through overwhelming health advice to find what actually works for them.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Nutrition & Health Coaching?
My fascination with nutrition began in 2011 while living in Sweden. I had taken up cross-country skiing and eventually challenged myself to complete Vasaloppet – the world’s oldest and longest cross-country ski race. As I trained, I became fascinated by how nutrition could influence performance, recovery and overall health. I was introduced to concepts like carbohydrate loading and discovered a whole new appreciation for the nutrient-dense, whole-food traditions of Scandinavian culture. What started as an interest in sports nutrition quickly grew into a much deeper curiosity about how food could support health and prevent disease.
In 2015, I enrolled in a Master’s in Culinary Innovation and Food Product Development at Dublin Institute of Technology, hoping it would be the beginning of a career centred around food. Life, however, had other plans, and although I didn’t continue down that path at the time, the dream of working in nutrition remained.
For years, I found myself coming back to the same question: What if I never gave it a try? Eventually, I realised I’d rather pursue the dream than spend my life wondering what might have been. So I enrolled in the Diploma in Nutrition, Health and Wellness Coaching with the IINH. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Today, Anua Health Coaching exists because I want to help others experience the life-changing impact that simple nutrition and lifestyle changes can have. I work with people who have been diagnosed with, or are at risk of developing, lifestyle-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as those looking to improve their energy, weight, sleep and overall wellbeing.
I know how overwhelming health advice can feel. There is no shortage of information, but knowing where to start, or what is actually right for you is often the hardest part. That’s where coaching makes the difference.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE OR ACHIEVEMENT SINCE GRADUATING?
The cart may have come before the horse with this one, but sometimes opportunities arise before you feel completely ready. When the chance to practise from a newly renovated centre supporting children, families and adults became available in my local community, I knew it was an opportunity I wanted to take. Having a space of my own in such a welcoming setting feels like a real achievement since completing my course and an exciting foundation from which to begin building my practice.
HOW HAS YOUR TRAINING INFLUENCED YOUR APPROACH TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS?
Studying at IINH has broadened my perspective, deepened my understanding and helped me appreciate just how nuanced and individual health and wellness can be. Through my training, the ideas of an โall or nothingโ or โone size fits allโ approach to health went out the window. Instead, I have come to understand that meaningful change does not always have to begin with dramatic transformations. Small, realistic changes, practised consistently over time, can have a profound impact on an individualโs health and wellbeing in the long term.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOUR WORK POSITIVELY IMPACT OTHERS?
One of my case study clients experienced a real breakthrough in her health in a relatively short space of time, showing just how powerful small, consistent changes can be. Here is some of what she had to say about her journey:
“My biggest breakthrough was realising that managing my health didn’t mean depriving myselfโit was about making sustainable shifts in how I looked at food. Not only have my A1C and cholesterol levels improved significantly, but Iโve gained a profound insight into how my body responds to what I eat. Today, I feel completely different than I did when I started. The anxiety and frustration have been replaced with confidence, energy, and a sense of control over my own well-being” – Maureen.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT STUDYING WITH IINH?
If you are still thinking about studying at IINH years after first considering it, perhaps this is your sign to take a leap of faith. That is exactly what I did, and I have never regretted it.
Early in the course, I discovered I was pregnant and later experienced complications towards the end of my pregnancy. At times, continuing my studies felt impossible, but I was met with nothing but empathy, understanding and incredible support. The coaching support team went above and beyond to help me continue, and I never felt that I had to quit or give up. IINH is more than a place to study, it is an amazing community that genuinely wants to see you succeed. They will support and cheer you on, even when the journey isn’t smooth sailing. So go on and take that leap today!
If you would like to reach out to Niamh, you can find her on the below links:
Website: Here
Instagram: Here
Thinking of studying at IINH?
To learn more about our Nutrition & Health Coaching or Nutritional Therapy programmes, visit the links below:
