Become an Expert in Ancestral Health

Flexible self-study training for professional accreditation

Learn the blueprint for optimal wellness. Get a comprehensive education in evolutionary science. Advance your career as a health professional.

Study Online

Flexible remote learning on your own time and the device of your choosing. 

Lifetime Access

We stay up to date on nutrition science so you can too.

Community Support

Join a community of like-minded health and nutrition enthusiasts.

What You'll Receive

Certified Primal Health and Nutrition Experts receive the most in-depth and up-to-date ancestral health, nutrition, and lifestyle education in the world. Students graduate with a deep understanding of how to reprogram genes for optimal wellness, which food groups are best for the human body and why, how to develop lifelong fitness while avoiding injury and burnout, and so much more.
  • Online course made up of 14 chapters on primal health, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle
  • Each chapter includes bite-sized quick facts, an introductory video, relevant lessons, a chapter summary, a coaching-your-clients section, and a multiple choice exam.
  • Bonus chapter: Programming for Primal Health
  • Included is a chapter on coaching clients through a 12-week Primal Health Coach flow, from onboarding to program completion.
  • Bonus multimedia educational materials
  • We provide audio supplements to satisfy all learning styles, recorded webinars, and offer many of our bestselling books and courses for download.
  • An elite certification
  • A Primal Health and Nutrition Expert Certification provides you with the most comprehensive and scientifically validated health education based on evolutionary health.
  • Access to a private Primal Health Coach Institute Facebook community
  • Network and stay motivated with the Primal Health Coach Institute team and your peers in our private Facebook community.
  • Access to a monthly workshops
  • PHCI students and grads are invited to participate, ask questions, and learn from experts in monthly live webinars.
  • EDUCATION

  • INSTRUCTORS

  • CERTIFICATION

  • PRICING

  • WHO IT'S FOR

  • DETAILS

What You'll Learn

The 14 chapters of this course represent the first pillar of our complete Primal Health Coach Certification Program and are designed around the eight key concepts and five action items first introduced by Mark Sisson in his bestseller The Primal Blueprint. You’ll learn the foundational elements of the ancestral foods and lifestyle approach.
  • How to reprogram the genes that impact health and longevity
  • The 10 Primal Blueprint laws that drove human evolution
  • The 10 Primal Blueprint laws that drove human evolution
  • How to reverse insulin resistance and other disease risk factors 
  • Why diet determines 80% of success with body composition goals
  • The truth about fat and cholesterol
  • Getting the most from everyday low-level movement 
  • How to take advantage of brief, high-intensity strength and sprint workouts 
  • Choosing the best foods for optimal health

Course Outline

Welcome!

Welcome from Mark Sisson and Erin Power

Course Overview

Downloading Files Within the Course

Meet Your Faculty and Staff

Legal & Support

Important: Legal Matters

Disclaimer and Copyright Notice

Support

Announcements

Introduction

Announcements

Upcoming Webinars

Educational Resources

Introduction

Ebooks

Audiobooks

Archived Webinars

Peer and Faculty Support & Connection via Facebook

Why Primal?

Introduction Video

Why PHCI?

Why Ancestral Health?

Chapter 1 - Yes, You Really Can Reprogram Your Genes

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Genes 101

Gene Expression, Epigenetics, and Genetic Adaptation

Chronic/Systemic Inflammation

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 1 Curriculum Audio

Familial Genes - Audio Supplement

Genetic Diversity - Audio Supplement

Changing Habits - Audio Supplement

Chapter 1 Exam

Chapter 2 - The Clues to Optimal Gene Expression Are Found in Evolution

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

The Primal Laws

Evolutionary Health

Primal Humans; Modern Humans; and Aging

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 2 Curriculum Audio

Primal Blueprint Laws - Audio Supplement

Neanderthal - Audio Supplement

Chapter 2  Exam

Chapter 3 - Your Body Prefers Burning Fat Over Carbohydrates

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

The Standard American Diet

Metabolic Flexibility

Fuel Partitioning

Glucose

Fat

Ketones

Recommended Macronutrient Intake Levels

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 3 Curriculum Audio

High Carb Consumption - Audio Supplement

Quality Over Quantity - Audio Supplement

Macronutrient Calculations - Audio Supplement

Chapter 3 Exam

Chapter 4 - 80 Percent of Your Body Composition Is Determined by How You Eat

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Energy Balance Determines Body Composition

Hormones

Enzymes

Gut Health

Intermittent Fasting

The Carbohydrate Curve

The "Other Twenty Percent"

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 4 Curriculum Audio

Calories In, Calories Out - Audio Supplement

Hormone Optimization - Audio Supplement

Insulin Sensitivity - Audio Supplement

Alcohol - Audio Supplement

Intermittent Fasting - Audio Supplement

Fasting and Exercise - Audio Supplement

Carb Refueling - Audio Supplement

Diet Is the Gateway - Audio Supplement

Chapter 4 Exam

Chapter 5 - Grains Are Totally Unnecessary

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Antinutrients

Predominant Dietary Sources of Antinutrients

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 5 Curriculum - Audio

Viewing Health Matters in Isolation - Audio Supplement

Chapter 5 Exam

Chapter 6 - Fat and Cholesterol Are Not Your Enemy

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

The Lipid Hypothesis

Heart Disease

Blood Testing

Statins

The Fat, Cholesterol, and Heart Disease Myth

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 6 Curriculum - Audio

Chronic Stress - Audio Supplement

Opposing Beliefs - Audio Supplement

Chapter 6 Exam

Chapter 7 - Fitness is Built on a Foundation of Frequent, Low-Intensity Movement

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Dangers of Sedentary Modern Life

Fitness Mythbusting: Chronic Cardio, Caloric Compensation, and Metabolic Rate

Aerobic Exercise

Heart Rate Zones

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 7 Curriculum - Audio

Sedentary Patterns - Audio Supplement

Exercise Mentality - Audio Supplement

Chronic Cardio - Audio Supplement

HRV Monitoring - Audio Supplement

Chapter 7 Exam

Chapter 8 - Maximum Fitness Gains Can Be Made in Minimal Time

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Functional Fitness

High-Intensity Fitness

Nutritional Considerations for Exercise

Exercise and Longevity

Play

Recovery

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 8 Curriculum - Audio

Resistance Training - Core Curriculum Audio Supplement

Focus on Quality - Core Curriculum Audio Supplement

Fasting and Exercise - Core Curriculum Audio Supplement

Chapter 8 Exam

Chapter 9 - Eliminate SAD Foods

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Pantry Purge Priorities

Fats and Oils

Sweets

Grains

Legumes

Hyper-processed Foods

Condiments

Beverages

Dairy Products

Fish and Seafood

Meat

Potatoes

Conducting Your Pantry Purge

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 9 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 9 Exam

Chapter 10 - Choose (The Best) Primal Foods

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Kitchen Restock

Shopping for Produce

Herbs and Spices

Meat and Poultry

Seafood

Eggs

Nuts, Seeds, and Derivative Butters

Healthy Fats and Oils

Beverages

Dairy 

Dark Chocolate

Alcohol

Supplements

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 10 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 10 Exam

Chapter 11 - Shop, Cook, and Dine Primally

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Practical Considerations for Eating Primally

Strategies for Buying Food

Strategies for Cooking, and Eating (and Drinking) at Home

Strategies for Dining Out

Cultivating a Successful Approach

Chapter Summary 

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 11 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 11 Exam

Chapter 12 - Exercise Primally: Move, Lift, and Sprint!

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Primal Fitness

Move Frequently

Lift Heavy Things

Sprint

Chapter Summary 

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 12 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 12 Exam

Chapter 13 - Primal Lifestyle

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Diet

Exercise

Work

Sleep

Social Connections

Play

Nature

Sunlight

Slow Life Down

Chapter Summary  and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 13 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 13 Exam

Chapter 14: Programming Primal Health

Chapter Overview

Coaching Formats

Recommendation: Begin with One-on-One Coaching

CASE STUDY: Beginning with One-on-One, then Scaling to Group Coaching

Use Short-Duration Challenges to Leverage Your Individual Program

CASE STUDY: Using a Short-Duration Challenge to Convert One-on-One Clients

The 12-Week Primal Health Coaching Program Flow

On-Boarding Your New One-on-One Client

Intake

After Intake: Session One

Bi-Weekly Education Sessions

Weekly Check-In

Coaching Conversations

Additional Coaching Tools

Tracking Progress: Successes and Struggles

Common Client Concerns

Get Ready to Graduate Your Client

Program Completion

DEMO: A 12-Week Primal Health Coaching Relationship

PROGRAMMING SUPPORT MATERIALS: The 12-Week Primal Health Coaching Program

PROGRAMMING SUPPORT MATERIALS: 21-Day Primal Challenge

Chapter 14 Exam

FINAL EXAM

Primal Health and Nutrition Final Exam

What Our Grads Say

Completing the Primal Health Coach Program has proven to be an invaluable asset to my coaching practice. I'm so much more prepared to explain the benefits of a primal lifestyle to my clients and coach them as they take their health, fitness, and performance to a higher level than they ever thought possible.

James Arthur

Certified Primal Health Coach

The Primal Health Coach Program expanded my access to and credibility with people who embrace primal principles but who may not have considered holistic medicine, enhancing my practice and extending my professional reach. 

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons

Certified Primal Health Coach

The knowledge I learned from the Primal Health Coach Program allowed me to skillfully integrate for my patients the healing power of Periodontal Laser Therapy with the healing power of primal lifestyle and diet. 

Alvin H. Danenberg, DDS

Certified Primal Health Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I earn my certification from the Primal Health Coach Institute?

An expert certification in Primal Health and Nutrition sets you apart from other nutrition experts because it includes a built-in nutrition and lifestyle niche—ancestral health, and it’s appropriate for everyone. It’s a highly customizable nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle program proven to reverse chronic conditions and transform overall wellness. We balance out the learnings with live webinars, optional events and masterclasses, and have a tight-knit community of coaches to support one another on our mission to change the health of the world. And we do it all at a significantly lower price point.

How long will it take for me to complete the course and earn my certification?

Once you start the online education process, course material is released at a rate of one chapter per week. There are 14 chapters, so you could technically get your health and nutrition certification in as little as 14 weeks. However, this is a self-paced program, so you can proceed through the course work at a slower rate if you’d like. Enrollment gives you lifetime access to all the course material.

How difficult are the online course and exams, and what if I have trouble passing?

Some estimate that this course material is on a par with an upper-division college course in the health sciences. However, the written material and videos are all presented in an easy-to-understand format, with a minimum of “sciency” terms or overly complex narratives. While no prerequisites are necessary to enroll, your pace of learning and ease of passing the exams are likely to be accelerated if you have a background in health. If you have minimal background experience or knowledge, we will work with you one-on-one to ensure that you absorb the material effectively and pass the course.

The 14 chapter exams consist of multiple choice and true/false questions that have been carefully scrutinized by an elite team of beta-testers to ensure fairness and relevance to the written and video content course material. A score of 75 percent correct or better represents a passing grade. If you score below 75 percent, you can return to the material for review, and then attempt the exam again and as many times as you need to pass it. If you find yourself getting stuck on a certain chapter or frustrated with the learning experience in any way, don’t stress! We are here to support and eagerly await the opportunity to help. 

What is the difference between the Primal Health and Nutrition Expert Certification Course and the Primal Health Coach Certification Course?

The Primal Health and Nutrition Expert Certification Course is a comprehensive education in primal health, fitness, and lifestyle choices. The Primal Health Coach Certification course is one of our flagship courses. It includes everything found in the Primal Health and Nutrition Expert Certification Course, plus 9 additional chapters and advanced training on Coaching Skills and Business Development. To become a Certified Primal Health Coach, visit our course page here.

What is the difference between a Primal Health and Nutrition Expert and a Primal Health Coach?

A Primal Health and Nutrition Expert is an expert in ancestral health and wellness, and can round out their current professional offerings with this expert knowledge.  

A Primal Health Coach has been trained in Primal Health and Nutrition, but also in coaching clients to lasting change and in how to run a successful business as a coach.

Once I graduate from this course, will I be a certified Primal Health Coach?

Only if you are already a Primal Fitness Coach. If that’s the case, you’ll be certified as both a Primal Fitness Coach and a Primal Health Coach upon graduation.  

If you are not a Primal Fitness Coach and are interested in becoming a Primal Health Coach in lieu of certification as a Primal Health and Nutrition Expert, visit our course page here.

I’ve taken other online courses in the past and they didn’t live up to my expectations. How is this course different?

The Primal Health and Nutrition Expert Certification zeros in on ancestral health, offering you a built-in niche that sets you apart from other health pros. It makes it easier to find the clients that are the best fit for you and to help them reach and maintain their wellness goals over the long term. 

When you enroll in the certification course you immediately become part of our community, and we’ll do everything in our power to make sure you reach your personal health and career goals. We’re so confident that the program and our organization will exceed your expectations that we offer a 30-day, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. You’ll get a full refund if the course isn’t to your liking, or if life circumstances shift your focus and you decide that health coaching is no longer your preferred career path. We also pride ourselves on going above and beyond with course offerings, as well as bonus resources that make it as easy as possible to turn your career dreams into real-life earnings.

Become an Expert with a Purpose

Primal health incorporates diet and nutrition within a holistic framework that includes exercise, stress management, sun exposure, and lifestyle behaviors. The flexibility of a primal model helps you improve the health of anyone, whether they prefer a mostly plant-based diet, mostly meat-based diet, or a diet anywhere in between.
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