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NASM Faculty
The wide and wonderful world of diets can be difficult terrain to navigate, especially with so much information scattered across the Internet and in magazines. Some are backed by scientific evidence, whereas others are mostly hype. Informed readers need to be well-armed with the latest facts regarding diets and how they impact health, body composition, and athletic performance.
Read more
The wide and wonderful world of diets can be difficult terrain to navigate, especially with so much information scattered across the Internet and in magazines. Some are backed by scientific evidence, whereas others are mostly hype. Informed readers need to be well-armed with the latest facts regarding diets and how they impact health, body composition, and athletic performance.
Read more
The wide and wonderful world of diets can be difficult terrain to navigate, especially with so much information scattered across the Internet and in magazines. Some are backed by scientific evidence, whereas others are mostly hype. Informed readers need to be well-armed with the latest facts regarding diets and how they impact health, body composition, and athletic performance.
This course explores many different types of diets and provides details regarding their various levels of safety and effectiveness, including diets that are comprised of different macronutrient compositions, food choices, and time restrictions (fasting), in addition to the psychology diets have on adherence.
With over 30 years as a leader in fitness and wellness education, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has built its reputation on providing an evidence-based curriculum that is both relevant and applicable for those seeking the skills and knowledge required to promote optimal health.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
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What's inside
Syllabus
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers a wide range of diets and their impact on health, body composition, and athletic performance
Provides details regarding the various levels of safety and effectiveness of different diets
Led by faculty from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), an established leader in fitness and wellness education
Designed for individuals seeking evidence-based information on diets for optimal health
Focuses on the psychology of diets and their impact on adherence
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Reviews summary
Evidence-based diet understanding for professionals
According to learners, "Navigating Diets" offers a largely positive and evidence-based curriculum that effectively cuts through misinformation. Students consistently praise the course's strong scientific foundation and its emphasis on the psychology of adherence, which many professionals find to be a game-changer for client work. The lectures and materials are frequently described as clear and easy to understand, making complex topics digestible. While the course provides a solid foundational understanding, some learners with extensive prior knowledge found parts to be somewhat basic. A few recent reviews also noted a desire for more real-world examples and occasional outdated reference links.
Strong for beginners, but may lack depth for advanced nutrition students.
"Some parts felt a bit basic for someone already familiar with nutrition basics, but overall valuable."
"It covers the basics well, and the science is sound, but it didn't expand my knowledge as much as I hoped. Good for beginners, maybe less so for advanced learners."
"It's decent, but not groundbreaking if you've already done some research."
Presents complex dietary information in an easy-to-understand manner.
"It clearly explains complex topics like macronutrient compositions and fasting in an easy-to-understand way."
"The NASM instructors really made the science digestible."
"The pacing was good, and the material was presented clearly."
"The instruction is clear, and the materials are well-organized."
Offers crucial insights into the behavioral aspects of diet adherence.
"The section on the psychology of adherence was a game-changer for working with clients."
"The practical application of the psychological aspects of eating was incredibly helpful."
"This one was well-structured, current, and provided practical insights into client adherence which isn't always covered adequately in other programs."
"I particularly valued the emphasis on the psychological aspect of eating."
Delivers an evidence-based approach, debunking common diet myths.
"Absolutely fantastic! As a personal trainer, I needed a course that was truly evidence-based and went beyond the hype."
"The information on different diet types was comprehensive and debunked a lot of myths I'd heard. I appreciated the scientific backing."
"This course provided an invaluable resource for my fitness coaching practice. It cut through all the misinformation online and gave me solid, scientific understanding."
Some desired more real-world examples and noted outdated reference links.
"Honestly, I found some of the content a bit dry and theoretical. While they say it's evidence-based, I felt it lacked enough real-world examples or hands-on activities to make it engaging."
"I also encountered a few outdated links in the supplementary readings."
"I noticed a couple of the references felt a little old, and there weren't many updates to the material as far as I could tell."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Navigating Diets with these
activities:
Review key nutrition concepts
Show steps
Establishes a stronger understanding of foundational knowledge in nutrition, ensuring readiness for the course's advanced content.
Browse courses on
Nutrition
Show steps
-
Revise notes or textbooks on basic nutrition principles.
-
Complete practice questions or quizzes to test understanding.
Develop a meal plan
Show steps
Provides practical application of course concepts, promoting deeper understanding of dietary planning and macronutrient management.
Browse courses on
Diet
Show steps
-
Determine individual dietary needs and goals.
-
Research and select nutrient-rich foods from various food groups.
-
Calculate macronutrient ratios and calorie intake.
-
Create a structured meal plan that meets dietary requirements.
-
Reflect on the meal plan and make adjustments as needed.
Analyze dietary case studies
Show steps
Enhances analytical skills in evaluating different diets, fostering critical thinking and practical application of course content.
Show steps
-
Review provided dietary case studies.
-
Identify key nutritional information and dietary patterns.
-
Assess the adequacy and appropriateness of the diets.
-
Develop tailored dietary recommendations based on analysis.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore online resources on advanced nutrition topics
Show steps
Facilitates independent learning and exploration of specialized nutrition topics, expanding knowledge beyond the course curriculum.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online resources and articles on desired topics.
-
Review and synthesize information from various sources.
-
Evaluate the credibility and applicability of the information.
Participate in community nutrition programs
Show steps
Encourages hands-on experience in applying nutrition knowledge to real-world settings, fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Show steps
-
Identify local organizations or programs that focus on nutrition.
-
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and requirements.
-
Participate in nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, or food distribution events.
-
Reflect on the experience and its impact on understanding community nutrition.
Connect with registered dietitians or nutrition experts
Show steps
Provides opportunities for professional networking and gaining insights from experienced individuals in the field.
Show steps
-
Attend industry events or virtual conferences.
-
Join professional organizations or online communities.
-
Request informational interviews with potential mentors.
Develop a nutrition education toolkit
Show steps
Enhances communication and outreach skills by creating materials that effectively convey nutrition information to diverse audiences.
Show steps
-
Identify the target audience and their specific needs.
-
Research and gather evidence-based nutrition information.
-
Design and develop educational materials (e.g., brochures, posters, videos).
-
Evaluate the effectiveness of the toolkit through feedback or pilot testing.
Review key nutrition concepts
Show steps
Establishes a stronger understanding of foundational knowledge in nutrition, ensuring readiness for the course's advanced content.
Browse courses on
Nutrition
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revise notes or textbooks on basic nutrition principles.
- Complete practice questions or quizzes to test understanding.
Develop a meal plan
Show steps
Provides practical application of course concepts, promoting deeper understanding of dietary planning and macronutrient management.
Browse courses on
Diet
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Determine individual dietary needs and goals.
- Research and select nutrient-rich foods from various food groups.
- Calculate macronutrient ratios and calorie intake.
- Create a structured meal plan that meets dietary requirements.
- Reflect on the meal plan and make adjustments as needed.
Analyze dietary case studies
Show steps
Enhances analytical skills in evaluating different diets, fostering critical thinking and practical application of course content.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review provided dietary case studies.
- Identify key nutritional information and dietary patterns.
- Assess the adequacy and appropriateness of the diets.
- Develop tailored dietary recommendations based on analysis.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore online resources on advanced nutrition topics
Show steps
Facilitates independent learning and exploration of specialized nutrition topics, expanding knowledge beyond the course curriculum.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online resources and articles on desired topics.
- Review and synthesize information from various sources.
- Evaluate the credibility and applicability of the information.
Participate in community nutrition programs
Show steps
Encourages hands-on experience in applying nutrition knowledge to real-world settings, fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify local organizations or programs that focus on nutrition.
- Inquire about volunteer opportunities and requirements.
- Participate in nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, or food distribution events.
- Reflect on the experience and its impact on understanding community nutrition.
Connect with registered dietitians or nutrition experts
Show steps
Provides opportunities for professional networking and gaining insights from experienced individuals in the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend industry events or virtual conferences.
- Join professional organizations or online communities.
- Request informational interviews with potential mentors.
Develop a nutrition education toolkit
Show steps
Enhances communication and outreach skills by creating materials that effectively convey nutrition information to diverse audiences.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the target audience and their specific needs.
- Research and gather evidence-based nutrition information.
- Design and develop educational materials (e.g., brochures, posters, videos).
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the toolkit through feedback or pilot testing.
Career center
Learners who complete Navigating Diets will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitian
A Registered Dietitian, also known as an RD, is a food and nutrition expert who has met certain education and experience requirements, including earning a bachelor's degree in nutrition and completing an accredited internship program. RDs are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling to individuals and groups. This course may be useful for RDs who want to stay up-to-date on the latest diet trends and research.
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Nutrition Specialist
A Certified Nutrition Specialist, or CNS, is a nutrition professional who has met certain education and experience requirements, including earning a bachelor's degree in nutrition and completing a supervised practice program. CNSs are qualified to provide nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. This course may be useful for CNSs who want to stay up-to-date on the latest diet trends and research.
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
A Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, also known as an LDN, is a nutrition professional who has met certain education and experience requirements, including earning a bachelor's degree in nutrition and completing an accredited internship program. LDNs are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling to individuals and groups. This course may be useful for LDNs who want to stay up-to-date on the latest diet trends and research.
Health Coach
Health Coach
A Health Coach is a professional who helps people make healthy lifestyle changes, including changes to their diet. Health Coaches typically have a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as nutrition, exercise science, or public health. This course may be useful for Health Coaches who want to learn more about the different types of diets and their impact on health.
Wellness Coach
Wellness Coach
A Wellness Coach is a professional who helps people improve their overall well-being, including their physical, mental, and emotional health. Wellness Coaches typically have a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as nutrition, exercise science, or public health. This course may be useful for Wellness Coaches who want to learn more about the different types of diets and their impact on health.
Personal Trainer
Personal Trainer
A Personal Trainer is a professional who helps people improve their physical fitness. Personal Trainers typically have a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field. This course may be useful for Personal Trainers who want to learn more about the different types of diets and their impact on athletic performance.
Fitness Instructor
Fitness Instructor
A Fitness Instructor is a professional who leads group fitness classes. Fitness Instructors typically have a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field. This course may be useful for Fitness Instructors who want to learn more about the different types of diets and their impact on athletic performance.
Sports Dietitian
Sports Dietitian
A Sports Dietitian is a registered dietitian who has specialized training in sports nutrition. Sports Dietitians help athletes improve their performance by providing them with individualized nutrition plans. This course may be useful for Sports Dietitians who want to stay up-to-date on the latest research on sports nutrition.
Nutrition Researcher
Nutrition Researcher
A Nutrition Researcher is a scientist who studies the relationship between nutrition and health. Nutrition Researchers typically have a PhD in nutrition or a related field. This course may be useful for Nutrition Researchers who want to learn more about the latest diet trends and research.
Food Writer
Food Writer
A Food Writer is a writer who specializes in writing about food and nutrition. Food Writers typically have a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field. This course may be useful for Food Writers who want to learn more about the different types of diets and their impact on health.
Chef
Chef
A Chef is a professional who cooks food for others. Chefs typically have a bachelor's degree in culinary arts or a related field. This course may be useful for Chefs who want to learn more about the different types of diets and how to prepare food that meets the dietary needs of their customers.
Food Scientist
Food Scientist
A Food Scientist is a scientist who studies the physical, chemical, and biological properties of food. Food Scientists typically have a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field. This course may be useful for Food Scientists who want to learn more about the different types of diets and how they impact the quality and safety of food.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
A Regulatory Affairs Specialist is a professional who ensures that food products meet all applicable laws and regulations. Regulatory Affairs Specialists typically have a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field. This course may be useful for Regulatory Affairs Specialists who want to learn more about the different types of diets and how they impact the safety of food.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
A Quality Assurance Manager is a professional who ensures that food products meet all applicable quality standards. Quality Assurance Managers typically have a bachelor's degree in food science or a related field. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Managers who want to learn more about the different types of diets and how they impact the quality of food.
Sales Representative
Sales Representative
A Sales Representative is a professional who sells products or services to customers. Sales Representatives typically have a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. This course may be useful for Sales Representatives who sell food products or services.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5llswc/navigating
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Navigating Diets.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Whole30 diet, a popular elimination diet that can help improve health and well-being.
Save
Explores the principles of the paleo diet, which is based on the foods that our ancestors ate during the Paleolithic era.
Presents the results of a groundbreaking study on the relationship between diet and chronic diseases.
Explores the dietary and lifestyle habits of people living in the world's Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the DASH diet, which is designed to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the vegetarian diet, including the different types of vegetarianism and the health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Explores the principles of the flexitarian diet, which semi-vegetarian diet that emphasizes plant-based foods.
Save
Combines the principles of the paleo and vegan diets to create a new approach to eating that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the keto diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can help promote weight loss and improve health.
Provides a collection of vegan recipes that are specifically designed for athletes.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5llswc/navigating
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Effort
3 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Instructor
NASM Faculty
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Nutrition Education for the Consumer. It's comprised of five courses:
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