Green vegetables

ICE Introduces Culinary Nutrition and Food Therapy

Experts from the food, health and nutrition fields developed the interdisciplinary curricula.

Director of Nutrition Celine Beitchman has adapted the Natural Gourmet Institute's (NGI) Culinary Nutrition and Food Therapy courses for certificate programs at the Institute of Culinary Education's new Natural Gourmet Center.

The Natural Gourmet Center’s interactive and dynamic courses offer exclusive opportunities to gain firsthand experience and expertise in the areas of Food Therapy and Culinary Nutrition. Through collaboration with chefs, dietitians, nutritionists, physicians and health industry experts and partners, the two certificate programs provide new perspectives on exciting and essential components of the better food movement.

Debuting in October 2021, Food Therapy covers whole-systems biology, nutritional imbalances, and how to translate a dietary prescription into meal planning and preparation. Instruction includes how specific diets and cooking techniques relate to a range of illnesses. NGI founder Annemarie Colbin Ph.D. developed the original course, which has been redeveloped by ICE Director of Nutrition Celine Beitchman M.S., who studied under Annemarie.

"It originated as a way for Dr. Colbin to teach her philosophy and approach to food systems," Chef Celine says. "I've modernized it. Now we consider her work against the body of evidence and see where we land. People with a severe illness or chronic disease may need to add in foods or take others out and this can change over the course of their lives as their health changes. A big part of the program is learning how to filter information, how to work with diet plans and how to experiment with these ideas so you can come up with what works for you."

In the years Chef Celine taught at NGI, Food Therapy attracted a wide audience that included professionals in food and health, as well as caregivers and individuals with their own health challenges.

Director of Nutrition Celine Beitchman teaches in the hydroponic garden.
Director of Nutrition Celine Beitchman teaches in the hydroponic garden.

The second certificate program, Culinary Nutrition, was originally developed by registered dietitians (RD) with longstanding experience as clinicians and academics teaching nutrition. It was taught primarily to dietitians with little to no culinary experience. Today the course, beginning in September, appeals to anyone with an interest in making sense of nutrition on the plate. Culinary Nutrition provides an in-depth, hands-on exploration of evidence-based nutrition.

"If you’re vegan, a young adult or an older adult, a sports enthusiast or endurance athlete, how do you sustain your health over time?” Chef Celine poses. "In this course, we’re thinking about the average healthy person and putting together a food plan based on their needs and goals. Here too we’re helping people refine their nutrition filters, and we dig deeper into science."

Culinary Nutrition covers food-based macronutrients, nutrients of concern in restricted diets, sustainable food systems, farm-to-table concepts, allergies, alternative diets, and because it’s such a big part of our ethos, how to eat more whole foods with all of their edible parts intact.

"Nowadays cooks need to know more than technique. They need to understand the implications of sourcing and food quality. They need to have an understanding of how those factors affect the future of food – and of course, how to manage their own health over what hopefully is a long and fulfilling career," Chef Celine says. "If you're thinking about delving deeper into nutrition, this is a good place to dip your toe, meet like-minded people, grow your network and see how nutrition is alive and well in a culinary haven like this."

Offered at ICE's New York campus, both courses consist of classroom lectures, kitchen lab assignments and group projects, and students receive a certificate upon completion. Access to the hydroponic garden offers opportunities to bring the concepts alive here.

"It’s not a sterile environment we’re not a medical or science lab, we’re having fun with food even while taking it seriously. We try to show students and by extension other programs that see or taste our work that nutrition has value, can be delicious and merits sharing space with the best culinary experts in the field," Chef Celine says. "The facilities are fabulous with up-to-date equipment and an unbeatable support system."

Explore health-supportive certificate programs.

This story was originally published in 2020. Following the pandemic, we are reintroducing the classes in the fall of 2021.

Submitted by Emily Pineo on September 19, 2020 2:21pm



My name is Emily Pineo and I am currently a sophomore at Dickinson College. I hope to go to culinary school after college, but I have celiac disease and I’m concerned about the risks associated with being around gluten flour, food, etc. for long periods of time and the possible negative health impacts. I was wondering if there’s ever been a student at ICE with celiac disease or gluten intolerance? If so, I’d really appreciate being put in communication with them. 

Submitted by Amanda Allen on May 3, 2021 4:07pm

How can I get more information on the subject program?

Submitted by Lorri Ward on July 12, 2021 1:37pm

Hi! These 2 programs sound interesting to me for personal development, but what types of careers are available to employees with these certifications?

In reply to by Lorri Ward (not verified)

Submitted by aday on July 21, 2021 5:09pm

Hi Lorri, these are not career training programs, simply continuing education courses. They can enhance careers in hands-on cooking, nutrition, health coaching and the like as a complement to foundational education. Chef Celine also recommends them as primers before pursuing more long-term programs. You can discuss your career goals with our Admissions team by filling out the form here https://www.ice.edu/request-info 

Submitted by Rita Scarborough on July 21, 2021 4:17pm

These two programs sound amazing. Im enrolled in the Health Supportative Cuilnary Arts program in the fall. Will they touch on some of the information in these two new programs in the HSCA program?

Submitted by aday on July 21, 2021 5:11pm

Hi Rita, we can't wait for you to start! Your Health-Supportive Culinary Arts classes will explore nutrition, and these continuing education courses are ideal continuing education complements with deeper dives into evidence-based research. Your Admissions coordinator or Chef Celine can answer any questions!

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