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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.

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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.

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Syllabus

NASM's Navigating Diets
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. 

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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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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
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
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
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
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Show all seven activities
Explore online resources on advanced nutrition topics
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
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
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
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.

Career center

Learners who complete Navigating Diets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

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.
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.
Combines the principles of the paleo and vegan diets to create a new approach to eating that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods.
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.

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