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Building a Healthy Plate

In a world of conflicting nutrition messages, how do we know which foods are good for us? What are the components of a healthy dietary pattern and why does it matter?

Throughout this mini course, we explore the relationship between diet and health by examining the eating patterns that have been shown to prevent chronic diet-related conditions. We touch on the nutritional components of the foods and beverages common in healthy eating patterns and explore strategies that can help you make the shift to better food choices. By the end of this course, you should feel more confident identifying and building a healthy plate.

This course is offered by the Gerald D. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

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Syllabus

Defining a Healthy Diet

Welcome to your first week in the serving a healthy diet course! We'll start out by exploring different dietary patterns, then discuss plant-based diets and vegetarianism.

Health Properties of Foods: Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains

This week, we'll explore the health properties and benefits of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fiber.

Health Properties of Foods: Sources of Fat & Protein

This week, we will explore plant and animal based protein products, as well as dairy.

Putting It All Together

This week, we will apply what we've learned in the rest of the course by constructing a healthy meal that meets the nutritional needs of you, a loved one, or someone you can imagine.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focused on those looking to understand the relationship between diet and overall health

Instructs on a range of topics relevant to nutrition, from plant-based diets to healthy meal construction

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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 Building a Healthy Plate with these activities:

Explore online resources on nutrition

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Expands knowledge beyond course materials

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Identify reputable nutrition websites and organizations
Research specific topics of interest
Evaluate and synthesize information from various sources

Participate in online discussion forums

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Engages in peer learning and交流

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Join online discussion forums related to nutrition
Read and respond to posts from other participants
Share your own insights and experiences

Start a personal nutrition journal

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Promotes self-awareness and accountability

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Set up a nutrition journal or use a tracking app
Log your daily food intake and physical activity
Track your progress and make adjustments as needed

One other activity

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Write a research paper on a nutrition-related topic

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Develops analytical and writing skills

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Choose a research topic related to nutrition
Conduct thorough literature review
Analyze and interpret findings
Write and submit research paper

Career center

Learners who complete Building a Healthy Plate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts who translate scientific research on nutrition into practical guidance that can help people enjoy healthier lives. This course would be helpful for aspiring RDs, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an RD.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Nutritionist

Nutritionists are similar to RDs, but they do not have the same level of training or certification. They can still provide valuable guidance on nutrition and health, and many work in clinical settings, community health centers, and schools. This course would be helpful for aspiring nutritionists, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a nutritionist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nutritionist

Health Educator

Health educators work to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. They may work in schools, community centers, or other settings. This course would be helpful for aspiring health educators, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a health educator.

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Wellness Coach

Wellness coaches help people make lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being. They may work with individuals or groups. This course would be helpful for aspiring wellness coaches, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a wellness coach.

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Food Scientist

Food scientists develop new food products and processes. They may work in the food industry, academia, or government. This course would be helpful for aspiring food scientists, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers the health properties of different foods, which is essential knowledge for food scientists. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a food scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Scientist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the causes and distribution of disease. They may work in public health, academia, or government. This course would be helpful for aspiring epidemiologists, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers the health properties of different foods, which is essential knowledge for epidemiologists. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an epidemiologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Nutritionist

Public health nutritionists work to improve the health of populations. They may work in government, academia, or non-profit organizations. This course would be helpful for aspiring public health nutritionists, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers the health properties of different foods, which is essential knowledge for public health nutritionists. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a public health nutritionist.

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Clinical Nutrition Manager

Clinical nutrition managers oversee the nutritional care of patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They may also provide nutrition counseling to patients and their families. This course would be helpful for aspiring clinical nutrition managers, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a clinical nutrition manager.

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Food Service Manager

Food service managers oversee the operation of food service establishments, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and hospitals. They may also be responsible for developing menus and ensuring that food is prepared and served safely. This course would be helpful for aspiring food service managers, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a food service manager.

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Chef

Chefs prepare and cook food in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. They may also be responsible for creating menus and developing new recipes. This course would be helpful for aspiring chefs, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a chef.

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Food Writer

Food writers write about food for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also develop recipes and cookbooks. This course would be helpful for aspiring food writers, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a food writer.

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Food Photographer

Food photographers take pictures of food for cookbooks, magazines, and websites. They may also work with food stylists to create visually appealing images. This course would be helpful for aspiring food photographers, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a food photographer.

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Food Blogger

Food bloggers write about food on their own websites or blogs. They may also share recipes, cooking tips, and restaurant reviews. This course would be helpful for aspiring food bloggers, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a food blogger.

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Personal Chef

Personal chefs cook for individuals or families in their homes. They may also be responsible for planning menus and grocery shopping. This course would be helpful for aspiring personal chefs, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a personal chef.

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Caterer

Caterers provide food and beverage services for events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions. They may also be responsible for planning menus and setting up event spaces. This course would be helpful for aspiring caterers, as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of nutrition and health. The course also covers specific topics such as plant-based diets and vegetarianism, which are becoming increasingly popular. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a caterer.

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Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Building a Healthy Plate.

Intuitive Eating, 4th Edition

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Provides practical guidance on how to overcome emotional eating and develop a healthy relationship with food. It is particularly relevant for those interested in improving their eating habits and making sustainable dietary changes.

Building a Healthy Plate

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What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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