Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Programs

This course begins with food safety and sanitation in the professional kitchen including proper hygiene, food handling, food storage, cleaning, pest control and HACCP in a food service operation. Students become acquainted with tools, utensils, and equipment in professional foodservice and discuss kitchen layout. Fundamental knife skills, cutting techniques and mise en place are covered. Production of stocks, sauces and soups are also included with an introduction to starch and grain cookery.

Essential dry- and moist-heat cooking methods and techniques, seasoning, culinary terminology and equipment operation are taught in this course. Conversion methods and standard measurements, as well as yield cost analysis, portion sizing and food costing are covered.

This course covers the basic principles of human nutrition, emphasizing nutrients, food sources, and their role in growth, development, maintenance, and general health. Contemporary and global nutritional issues are also discussed.

This course introduces the student to proper scaling and measuring in the bakeshop, formula conversion, ingredient function and identification, mixing methods and substitutions for nutritionally based recipes that rival the classics.

Mismanagement of financial resources often causes the failure of new foodservice ventures in the early years of their operations. This course covers the money management skills necessary to not only stay in operation, but to turn a profit. Purchasing, receiving, inventory management and menu pricing are covered with a focus of minimizing costs while maintaining a full range of customer services.

This course explores creation and application of various types of food and beverage menus. The course covers all aspects of menu planning and design, ranging from visual design to price analysis to making use of available resources. The menu is both a financial tool and a communication tool, and students learn about its uses as both.

This course focuses on adjustment of classical cooking methods and techniques to obtain more nutritious foods as part of the overall diet. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics, functions, and food sources of the major nutrients and other important nutritional compounds and how to maximize nutrient retention in food preparation and storage.

This course expands on the knowledge gained in Nutritional Cooking & Special Diets I to focus specifically on modification of classical cooking techniques to achieve nutritionally sound menus which focus on addressing disease prevention and/or supporting health in those with certain diagnoses.

This course explores wellness related concepts and how these practices contribute to the whole being. Emphasis is placed on the theory of each concept, discussing real world examples and identifying opportunities for coaching within appropriate scenarios. Finally, students will look at their behaviors in the context of trying to live to be over 100 years old and make recommendations to themselves to help achieve a long, pleasant aging experience.

This course builds upon the topics discussed in Exploring Wellness Concepts I and explores additional topics related to wellness including sleep, stress management, mindfulness, meditation, herbology and Eastern healing. The course culminates with a client-based case study incorporating multiple concepts learned in the course.

This course utilizes psychology-based concepts to help students prepare for roles as health coaches. Emphasis is based on transformative learning and the interpersonal influence of the coach to help clients meet goals that previously were out of reach.

This course is a culmination course in entrepreneurship. This course covers such topics as business planning, pricing, credit management, government regulation, and legal concerns. Business ethics and the crucial role and importance of management and leadership are also covered.

This course provides opportunities for real life experiences in an operational restaurant or related business and builds on the skills and techniques covered in previous courses. In the course, students apply the skills they have learned in practical ways to real-world situations. Students gain hands-on experience in the kitchen that mirrors their future work in the industry while developing necessary career skills. Immersion in a work environment also allows students to develop industry contacts and build working relationships.

Throughout history, food has done more than just provide nourishment. From prehistoric times to the present day, food and the pursuit of it has had a transformative role in human history. Food has impacted society organization, industrial development, military conflict, and economic expansion. As epicure and gastronome Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin stated, “Gastronomy governs the whole of the human man.” This course examines the role of food and its contribution and influence over history, culture, religion, economics, and politics.

All foodservice managers, regardless of the type of foodservice business with which they are involved, must understand and manage the costs associated with operating their businesses. Foodservice Math & Accounting introduces students to managerial accounting concepts and explains their applications to specific operations within the hospitality industry. Emphasis is placed on how to administer accounting procedures to minimize costs and maintain a full range of customer services.

After summary of the fundamentals of culinary math, an overview of basic business accounting transactions is covered including asset/liability accounts such as accounts receivable and payable, ledgers, balance sheets, payroll and financial statements.

The goals of psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and influence behavior and mental processes. With these goals in mind, students will study the scientific process and learn to explain psychological phenomena. They can learn about how those phenomena fit into major psychological theories, and how to practically apply the ideas of psychology.

The Business and Professional Communications course emphasizes the principles and practical application of effective professional communication behaviors within professional, business, and organizational contexts. In addition to identifying the importance of effective communication skills to the hospitality industry, communication styles and effective listening methods are addressed.
Listening skill, verbal and nonverbal communication, conflict resolution, cultural differences in communication, and debate techniques are also covered.

This course establishes a foundation for managing a client’s metabolic and wellness needs through nutrition, hydration, sleep, exercise, stress management, and environmental considerations. The course culminates in a personal assessment of these contributors to overall wellness and a case study that takes all of these realms into account and brings them into balance.

This course provides opportunities for real life experiences in an operational restaurant or related business and builds on the skills and techniques covered in previous courses. In the course, students apply the skills they have learned in practical ways to real-world situations. Students gain hands-on experience in the kitchen that mirrors their future work in the industry while developing necessary career skills. Immersion in a work environment also allows students to develop industry contacts and build working relationships.

This course provides additional opportunities for real life experiences in an operational restaurant or related business and builds on the skills and techniques covered in previous courses.

When you think of the word “holistic” you might think it’s synonymous with “natural.” However, the term actually stems from the Greek word “holos” meaning altogether or whole.

When holistic is referenced as a “practice,” it can translate to addressing several parts of a person and examining the way those components interconnect or work harmoniously together.

Holistic nutrition and wellness is a broad discipline that addresses an individual’s overall wellness, while examining the following areas:

• Mind: Is the mind being stimulated enough? How is the mind connected to self-expression and creativity?
• Body: Is the body in pain or functioning properly? Is it lacking sleep, nutrition, or movement?
• Spirit: How is the spirit connected to one’s divine, life purpose? How is it in alignment with nature and the environment?

With the proper education and training, holistic health practitioners who work in the field can also employ a wide variety of nutrition principles and wellness techniques to help clients hit specific health goals. This might include recommending natural foods and alternative wellness remedies such as acupuncture, massage, body movement therapy, and more.

Escoffier’s Holistic Nutrition and Wellness programs primarily focus on food preparation, nutrition, meal planning, and assisting others in making better food choices.

If you’re interested in pursuing a job as a holistic health practitioner, Escoffier’s Holistic Nutrition and Wellness program can prepare you with the necessary skills to advance in several holistic health careers.

Escoffier’s comprehensive coursework can cover a breadth of holistic health and wellness knowledge including healthy cooking foundations, meal planning, menu design, holistic nutrition, and coaching techniques. Students may also delve into other wellness practices that contribute to a person's entire well-being such as stress and sleep management, herbology, mindfulness, meditation, and psychological concepts in the workplace.

On top of this, aspiring holistic health practitioners enrolled are also required to complete one to two hands-on externships, depending on the holistic nutrition degree or diploma program. An externship can be an invaluable opportunity to gain real-life experience in a holistic health environment. During an externship, students can apply the skills they have explored in the classroom setting in more practical, real-world situations.

Yes! Escoffier offers an online degree or diploma in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness, which can provide the skills necessary to start a career in holistic health.

As far as the time commitment for online students, approximately 15-22 hours per week is spent on school related activities, depending on the program, credential, and personal pace. This can make it possible for entrepreneurs, busy parents, individuals working full-time, and those seeking career advancement to obtain a diploma!

On top of the flexibility factor, there are a plethora of benefits to online learning. For instance, students can avoid the daily commute and complete courses no matter where they are and on their own time (as long as deadlines are met).

At Escoffier, online learning is also extremely personalized, as every student can receive customized feedback on assignments from a Chef Instructor. This type of remote environment also allows students to network and collaborate with students from all across the country.

What else can online students expect at Escoffier?

• Interactive reading and video content
• Discussion boards with fellow peers to share ideas and brainstorm on class topics
• Live virtual sessions and assignments led by a professional Escoffier Instructor
• Access to Escoffier’s library learning resources

If you live outside of the U.S. and are interested in our Holistic Nutrition & Wellness programs, we’re here to help! Visit our International Students page to learn about admissions, visa support, and everything you need to get started.

A degree or diploma in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness at Escoffier may give you the foundation to pursue some of the following holistic health careers:

• Holistic Health Coach: This type of coach focuses on providing clients with a roadmap to achieve. This could include introducing plant-based nutrition, establishing fitness or nutrition goals, or instilling a stress management plan.
• Nutrition Coach: This type of coach helps clients follow a holistic diet by educating them on healthy food choices and nutritional concepts. In turn, this could help them achieve a wide range of health goals.

However, the field of holistic health and wellness is quite vast and encompasses a multitude of professions and each requires a different type of education and work experience. Other holistic health careers can include:

• Acupuncturist: An acupuncturist undergoes training to apply tiny, specialized needles to the body to heal ailments and reduce pain.
• Massage Therapist: Massage therapists use several types of techniques to calm muscular stress, relieve pain, and activate healing.
• Reiki Practitioner: Reiki practitioners are energy workers who tap into energy channels to activate the body’s natural healing process. Reiki can promote a deeper sense of relaxation, inner peace, and improvement in overall health.
• Yoga Instructor: A yoga instructor facilitates a physical practice that aims to improve flexibility and overall strength while promoting mindfulness. There are several different forms of Yoga, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, etc.
• Ayurvedic Practitioner: This type of practitioner taps into an ancient Indian form of holistic medicine to foster overall wellness. This is accomplished through using herbal remedies, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and specialized diets.

To become a holistic health coach or consultant, the first step can start with an education in the area to gain a solid base of knowledge.

Students can obtain a degree or diploma through Escoffier’s Holistic Nutrition and Wellness program, which places special emphasis on translating scientific knowledge into the skills needed to formulate nutrient-rich, delicious meals. This can also include unpacking common allergies, food intolerances, and dietary preferences they might encounter when working with future clients. Along with grasping fundamental wellness and nutrition concepts, students can explore essential coaching skills they may use while interacting with clients in a real-world setting.

Once aspiring holistic health coaches complete this type of well-rounded coursework, the next best step is to gain real-world experience. At Escoffier, students are required to secure a relevant hands-on industry externship in the field of holistic health and wellness with the goal to bolster their skills, before they graduate. At this point, students can also explore which niche speaks to them and their interests.

For example, a coach in this field can choose to remain more comprehensive in their practices or find a specialty. This could look like working with athletes, which might require knowledge of special diets, substitutions for allergies, and anti-inflammatory aids.

Many holistic health coaches may choose the more corporate route—giving nutrition presentations to employees at larger companies or providing on-site consultations.

Although there’s no linear path to pursue this type of profession, education, coupled with real-world experience, might be the best place to start!

Although a dietician, nutritionist, and holistic health coach can all aim to help clients address specific health and wellness needs, there are differences among these professions and the titles shouldn’t necessarily be used interchangeably.

Note that Escoffier’s Holistic Nutrition and Wellness programs do not certify you to become a dietitian or nutritionist, which typically require further education (such as a master's degree in nutrition or PhD).

Here is a breakdown of the differences between each of these occupations:

Dietitian:

• A registered dietitian must earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution that’s recognized by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Additionally, they may need to pursue a more advanced degree such as a master’s or doctorate.
• They also must complete at least 1,200 hours working at an internship, under the supervision of a licensed professional. Some states might also require additional training and exams to practice professionally.
• To become a registered dietician, a specific certification might be required, depending on the state.
• With this certification, they can treat specific medical conditions such as an eating disorder or diabetes in a clinical setting.

NOTE: Our Holistic Nutrition & Wellness programs at Escoffier do not qualify you to become a dietitian upon completion.

Nutritionist:

• To become a nutritionist, educational requirements may vary by state, but usually, anyone who completes an accredited nutrition program can work professionally.
• However, if a nutritionist chooses to become a certified nutrition specialist (CNS) or certified/clinical nutritionist (CN), additional certifications and education, such as a master’s or doctorate degree might be required.
• Although the process of becoming a nutritionist isn’t as regulated as a dietician, there are select states that may require nutritionists to secure an occupational license from a Board of Nutrition, while other states might permit practice without any previous education or training.
• Due to the blurred lines amongst states, nutritionists may provide more high-level advice when it comes to healthy, conscious-based eating habits.
• This could look like recommending specific foods to support a given health goal. However, they can’t “treat” specific medical issues or reoccurring conditions like a dietician.

NOTE: Our Holistic Nutrition & Wellness programs at Escoffier do not qualify you to become a dietitian upon completion.

Holistic Health Coach:

• When it comes to holistic health coaching, this is probably one of the broadest and most expansive careers in the health and wellness industry.
• There is no standard certification, license, or educational requirement to become this type of coach, but a degree or diploma in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness, such as Escoffier offers, could set you apart!
• Like a nutritionist, holistic health coaches may not be permitted to treat specific medical conditions or make diagnoses.
• Instead, holistic health coaches can provide clients with custom wellness tools and nutrition strategies that may improve overall health.
• This could mean supporting a client’s weight loss journey, suggesting ways to decrease stress, or finding strategies to manage a chronic condition.

If you’ve considered a career in holistic nutrition and wellness, you may have come across the term “holistic medicine.” This is a form of healing that approaches wellness through a more comprehensive approach. For example, holistic doctors in this field may employ several remedies to treat patients from alternative therapies like chiropractic care and naturopathy, to prescribing Western medications.

Escoffier’s Holistic Nutrition and Wellness program is primarily focused on nutrition and promoting healthy lifestyles. It is not an official credential in holistic medicine, therefore, the completion of this program does not qualify you to become a holistic doctor in the holistic medicine field (therefore this is not a career option for graduates of our program). However, students enrolled may pursue alternative career paths, such as a holistic health coach or nutrition coach.

Escoffier offers two online Holistic Nutrition and Wellness programs, available for both a diploma and an associate degree. In both programs, students engage in a curriculum that blends together wellness, cooking, and coaching. Ultimately, Escoffier wants students to graduate feeling empowered to address their clients' needs as they advance in their careers!

Here’s a complete breakdown of how long each program lasts and what students can expect:

Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Diploma

• 7 holistic nutrition and wellness courses, 5 industry-focused core courses, and one 6-week externship
• 100% online program with hands-on, 6-week industry externship
• Option to enroll in Associate Degree online program upon graduation with fully earned credit transfer
• Total time: 60 weeks (amounts to 820 clock hours and includes 59 quarter credits)

Associate Degree in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness

• Our most complete Holistic Nutrition and Wellness program
• 100% online program with two hands-on, 6-week industry externships
• Includes coursework in deeper business operations methods and workplace psychological principles
• Total time: 84 weeks (amounts to 1,230 clock hours and includes 90 quarter credits)

With both programs, students can get Escoffier’s Online Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Toolkit which contains utensil kits to complete the coursework, such as a 10" German steel sharpener, 10" piano wire whip, and 12" hi-temp spoon.

Students enrolled in both programs can also utilize Escoffier’s Success Coach Program—composed of our professional success coaches who are available to guide students through any challenges they might encounter during their educational journey.

Absolutely. Financial aid and student loan options are available for Holistic Nutrition & Wellness programs to qualifying students who apply. In fact, most students who entered postsecondary education for the first time received some financial assistance in 2022-23 for those who applied and qualified.^†

Escoffier also understands that the world of financial aid might seem intimidating, so one of the best places to start is by checking out our step-by-step FAFSA® Guide for Culinary School that’s filled with important resources you need to know.

In a nutshell, this financial aid process usually follows this 5-step process:

1. Reach out to the Admissions team at Escoffier to let them know your interest in attending.
2. Create your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) on the government’s student aid website.
3. Fill out the government’s Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. This covers Title 4 funding, which encompasses Direct Loans, Pell Grants, Parent PLUS Loans, and federal work-study programs.
4. The FAFSA can give you your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), Cost of Attendance (COA), and Financial Need.
5. Apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.

As far as timing, the annual student FAFSA® form is usually released on October 1st for the following academic year. Students have through the following June to submit. For example, a student attending school in the 2023-2024 school year could submit their FAFSA® anytime between October 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

To get more information about the financing options available, you can contact our financial aid team to begin the process.

^†College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics

Yes! There are several scholarships available to those who apply and qualify. The best place to start is by reviewing the 2023-2024 scholarship opportunities outlined in our essential guide to culinary school scholarships. This is our essential guide for scholarships and includes all of the important information you should keep in mind—like the difference between merit-based, need-based, competition-based, personal circumstance, and location-specific scholarships and other valuable forms of financial aid.

By visiting our scholarships page, you can also discover school-specific scholarships and other resources. For example, the Escoffier Scholarship Foundation assists students with a passion for culinary and pastry arts who may be unable to attend the institution without additional financial assistance. Applicants must be enrolled at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, demonstrate their financial need through all required Financial Aid documents, submit a short application essay, and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Applications align with Escoffier’s term start dates.

If you have any questions regarding current scholarship opportunities, you can contact our financial aid team for more information.

“I worked with Jordan in the Financial Aid Department, who helped me get some of the scholarships I qualify for because my dad is a disabled veteran. Jordan does a ton of paperwork and extra work for me to get things submitted for this application, which needs to be updated every four months.”*
— Kate Sardo, Boulder Culinary Arts Student

Yes! Escoffier is the only U.S.-accredited institution offering 100% online degrees with hands-on industry externships.* To fulfill this accreditation, Escoffier has designed an entire curriculum, as well as dedicated faculty that supports online learning. This is especially important to note since Escoffier’s Holistic Nutrition and Wellness programs are available 100% online with a hands-on industry externship.

So why is accreditation a critical requirement when it comes to schools for holistic nutrition? For one, applying to an accredited school can mean access to financial aid. In most cases, only accredited institutions can extend this type of financial support.

Secondly, employers in the holistic health field may often look for accredited schools on resumes. An accreditation usually means the coursework is relevant, high-quality, and meets defined educational standards. Employers may also recognize that graduates who come from an accredited school are usually prepared to enter the workforce—therefore, they might not have to use additional monetary resources when hiring a new employee.

Another huge perk to studying at an accredited school is working alongside professional Chef Instructors who go through Escoffier’s vetting process and are extremely knowledgeable in the field of holistic nutrition and wellness. Escoffier has over 120 professional Chef Instructors dedicated to mentoring students and helping them step into their dream careers.

Lastly, accredited schools usually want you to succeed, since it’s a direct reflection of their staff and curriculum. This is exactly why all students enrolled at Escoffier must complete an externship—an opportunity where students can put classroom knowledge into action and may make impactful connections for future employment.

Applying to Escoffier’s holistic nutrition programs is a fast and easy process—roughly taking about 10 minutes to complete online. Students can also contact our Admissions Department to apply.

Here are some details you’ll need to provide during the application process:

• Your location and demographics
• Emergency contact information
• Program of interest
• Proof of graduation
• Valid driver’s license, passport, or photo I.D.

Once you wrap up, you’ll be asked to finish and review your application. Upon completion, you’ll also receive an Enrollment Agreement packet via DocuSign.

After you finish the entire application, an Admissions representative will contact you directly to go over the next steps in the process. At this time, you can also speak with Escoffier’s Student Finance department staff to evaluate all of the available financing options. Financial aid is available to all those who apply and qualify, and the most of our students rely on financing their education.

In regard to application deadlines, it’s important to note that applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for upcoming class terms. Students who complete and submit all admission requirements and financial planning documents will have a preference for their start date, shift, and program.

Check out Escoffier’s resources to help advance your holistic nutrition and wellness knowledge.

Top Holistic Nutrition Blog Posts:

• How to Become a Health Coach
• How to Start a Career in Holistic Health
• Is Getting a Degree in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Worth It?
• What Can I Do with a Degree Focused on Health and Wellness?
• What Does a Holistic Health Practitioner Do?
• What Does a Nutrition Coach Do?
• What Is a Holistic Diet?
• What Is Holistic Health?
• What Is Holistic Nutrition and Wellness?

Top Podcast Episodes:

• How Donna Merten Is Changing Food Sustainability “One Plate At A Time”
• How Regenerative Agriculture Is Changing The Culinary World
• How To Build Healthy Eating Habits – Holistic Health Coach Julie Peláez
• Naprapathy: The Life-Changing Wellness Treatment You’ve Never Heard Of
• Runner Kelly Newlon Makes Delicious Food For Ultra-Endurance Athletes
• Sustainable Farming Techniques With Farmer Lee Jones
• “People, Planet, Plants, Profit:” Chef David Delcourt’s Sustainable Business Model

Additional Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Resources:

• American Holistic Health Association
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• PubMed Dietary Supplement Subset
• Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences
• USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center
• Nutrition.gov