We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Coursera logo

Child Nutrition and Cooking

Maya Adam, MD

Eating patterns that begin in childhood affect health and well-being across the lifespan. The culture of eating has changed significantly in recent decades, especially in parts of the world where processed foods dominate our dietary intake. This course examines contemporary child nutrition and the impact of the individual decisions made by each family. The health risks associated with obesity in childhood are also discussed. Participants will learn what constitutes a healthy diet for children and adults and how to prepare simple, delicious foods aimed at inspiring a lifelong celebration of easy home-cooked meals. This course will help prepare participants to be the leading health providers, teachers and parents of the present and future.The text and other material in this course may include the opinion of the specific instructor and are not statements of advice, endorsement, opinion, or information of Stanford University.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Why Home Cooking Matters
A childhood obesity epidemic is facing the USA and many developed nations. Why are so many foods processed, and what can we do to protect our families? We also explore the six basic ingredients every cook should have on hand!
Read more
What Constitutes a Balanced Meal?
Everything you need to know about what makes up a balanced meal, including fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Learn tricks for controlling portion sizes while maintaining satisfaction.
From Supermarket to Dinner Table to School
Tricks for navigating the supermarket and shop for vegetables. Why the family meal is about more than just food; how to pack a quick, healthy lunch for a child and why this is so important; how to shop for fruits and vegetables (and teach children to love them); making over our children's favorite foods, and more healthy treats.
Sustainable Eating
How to make choices that are good for you and the planet. Understand the difference between local, organic, and sustainable. Also, gardening as a way of getting children excited about fresh foods.
Labels, Allergies and Taste
What have we learned about achieving good eating habits based on enjoyment of the right foods? More tips on working with food allergies, reading nutrition labels, and understanding the elements of taste. Cooking this week: the simple stew, a basic homemade salad dressing plus a Sunday morning treat that will make the whole family smile.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Contains simple tips you can use to improve your child's nutrition
Develops your knowledge of preparing simple, delicious foods that your children will enjoy
Examines ways in which you can protect your family from processed foods
Taught by a medical professional
Explores strategies to handle working with individuals with food allergies
Course content is relevant to anyone who works with children, teaches children, or parents children

Save this course

Save Child Nutrition and Cooking to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Introduction to child nutrition and cooking

Learners say this course offers a well-structured introduction to child nutrition and cooking fundamentals. Engaging assignments, such as cooking demonstrations, make the content hands-on and interactive. Expert instructors provide valuable insights, though some learners desire more in-depth information, particularly regarding meal planning and advanced cooking techniques.
Introductory course with clear structure
"This course is very basic for the most part."
"Easy to do, and it was nice to be able to spend as much or as little time on it as I wanted."
"Actually i have not started the course yet but i think it is very interesting"
Knowledgeable instructors provide valuable insights
"Great course for Americans and for beginners who didn't cook at all."
"It is good for mothers to open their eyes as the future of kids are in their hands."
"Nice course for a person from other nation"
Hands-on learning through cooking demos
"You could learn some useful stuff and adopt a few good habits."
"Ideas for everyday cooking."
"This is awesome."
Some learners desire more in-depth content
"I'd recommend this class to anyone, especially families with young children."
"Overall I feel like the class is designed for people who don't know anything about nutrition and don't really have time to prep meals."
"Great course but I need to know if I will get a certificate for this course"

Career center

Learners who complete Child Nutrition and Cooking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health centers. They provide medical nutrition therapy to individuals and groups, and they also develop and implement nutrition education programs. This course would be helpful for Registered Dietitians because it provides a strong foundation in child nutrition and cooking. The course covers topics such as what constitutes a healthy diet for children and adults, how to prepare simple, delicious foods, and how to pack a quick, healthy lunch for a child. This knowledge would be valuable for Registered Dietitians who work with children and families.
Health Educator
Health Educators develop, implement, and evaluate health education programs. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, community health centers, and workplaces. This course would be helpful for Health Educators because it provides a strong foundation in child nutrition and cooking. The course covers topics such as what constitutes a healthy diet for children and adults, how to prepare simple, delicious foods, and how to pack a quick, healthy lunch for a child. This knowledge would be valuable for Health Educators who work with children and families.
School Nurse
School Nurses provide health care to students in schools. They assess students' health needs, develop and implement health education programs, and provide first aid and emergency care. This course would be helpful for School Nurses because it provides a strong foundation in child nutrition and cooking. The course covers topics such as what constitutes a healthy diet for children and adults, how to prepare simple, delicious foods, and how to pack a quick, healthy lunch for a child. This knowledge would be valuable for School Nurses who work with children and families.
Childcare Provider
Childcare Providers care for children in a variety of settings, including homes, daycare centers, and preschools. They provide a safe and nurturing environment for children, and they also help children learn and grow. This course would be helpful for Childcare Providers because it provides a strong foundation in child nutrition and cooking. The course covers topics such as what constitutes a healthy diet for children and adults, how to prepare simple, delicious foods, and how to pack a quick, healthy lunch for a child. This knowledge would be valuable for Childcare Providers who work with children and families.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide health education and support to individuals and families in their communities. They work in a variety of settings, including community health centers, schools, and workplaces. This course would be helpful for Community Health Workers because it provides a strong foundation in child nutrition and cooking. The course covers topics such as what constitutes a healthy diet for children and adults, how to prepare simple, delicious foods, and how to pack a quick, healthy lunch for a child. This knowledge would be valuable for Community Health Workers who work with children and families.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists provide nutrition counseling to individuals and groups. They help people develop healthy eating habits and make lifestyle changes to improve their health. This course may be helpful for Nutritionists who work with children and families.
Personal Chef
Personal Chefs prepare and cook meals for individuals and families. They may also provide nutrition counseling and meal planning services. This course may be helpful for Personal Chefs who work with children and families.
Food Writer
Food Writers write about food for a variety of publications, including magazines, newspapers, and websites. They may also write cookbooks and other food-related books. This course may be helpful for Food Writers who want to write about child nutrition and cooking.
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant Managers oversee the operation of restaurants. They are responsible for hiring and training staff, developing menus, and ensuring that the restaurant runs smoothly. This course may be helpful for Restaurant Managers who want to offer healthy and delicious options for children.
Caterer
Caterers provide food and beverage services for events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions. This course may be helpful for Caterers who want to offer healthy and delicious options for children.
Fitness Trainer
Fitness Trainers help people improve their physical fitness. They may also provide nutrition counseling and meal planning services. This course may be helpful for Fitness Trainers who work with children and families.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga Instructors teach yoga classes to people of all ages and abilities. This course may be helpful for Yoga Instructors who want to incorporate nutrition and cooking into their classes.
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists provide massage therapy to people of all ages and abilities. This course may be helpful for Massage Therapists who want to incorporate nutrition and cooking into their practice.
Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists provide acupuncture treatments to people of all ages and abilities. This course may be helpful for Acupuncturists who want to incorporate nutrition and cooking into their practice.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors provide chiropractic adjustments to people of all ages and abilities. This course may be helpful for Chiropractors who want to incorporate nutrition and cooking into their practice.

Reading list

We've selected 19 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 Child Nutrition and Cooking.
This cookbook great resource for parents and caregivers who want to learn how to cook healthy, nutritious meals for their children. It includes recipes for all ages, from infants to toddlers to school-aged children. It also provides tips on how to make cooking fun for kids.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on child development. It covers a wide range of topics, from nutrition to exercise to mental health. It is an excellent choice for parents and professionals who want to learn more about how to promote healthy development in children.
Helpful guide for those looking to break free from dieting and develop a healthy relationship with food. It provides practical strategies for overcoming emotional eating, body image issues, and other barriers to healthy eating.
Provides a detailed look at the relationship between nutrition and chronic diseases. It is based on a comprehensive study of over 6,000 adults in China and provides evidence for the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the plant-based diet, including the health benefits, environmental benefits, and ethical considerations.
Explores the environmental and ethical implications of our food choices. It provides a compelling case for reducing meat consumption and adopting a more plant-based diet.
This cookbook provides a wealth of information on traditional foods and their health benefits. It valuable resource for those looking to learn more about the Weston A. Price Foundation's principles of nutrition.
This cookbook provides simple and delicious recipes that are perfect for families. It great resource for those looking to cook more meals at home and make healthier choices for their children.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the body ecology diet, which focuses on restoring the balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Collection of essays, recipes, and reflections from Alice Waters, the founder of Chez Panisse. It provides a unique perspective on the importance of food and cooking and great read for anyone interested in the culinary arts.
Trusted source of information on child nutrition. It is written by experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It provides evidence-based recommendations on all aspects of child nutrition, from breastfeeding to solid foods to school lunches.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the gerson therapy, a nutritional program that has been used to treat cancer and other illnesses for over 70 years.
Explores the role of fat in weight gain and loss, and provides a plan for losing weight and improving overall health.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser