Plant Based Diets: Food for a Sustainable Future from edX

Global issuesGlobal challenges, like the environment and the pandemic, may seem like overwhelming and distant problems, uninfluenceable by any one person. Thankfully, sometimes the answer is surprisingly simple, the solution right in front of us.

The MOOC Plant Based Diets: Food for a Sustainable Future will take you through the science of three global issues – climate change, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases – and show you how they are directly impacted by what’s on the plate in front of you.

Omnivores, be welcome!Has, like for so many of us, the idea of eliminating animal products from your diet become somewhat of a hot potato? Please know that any shift from animal products toward plants does the trick. So, this course is for you, too!

Sustainability ImpactBecoming aware of the diet-health-climate connection is incredibly empowering. It enables us to improve not only our own health, but that of both population and planet. With large-scale adoption of a predominantly plant based diet, we can change our entire food system from the bottom-up. And in doing so, the future of food becomes what it must be: sustainable. Tag along as this evidence based course translates these large, overarching problems into bite-sized, daily steps.

Who knew that something as seemingly meaningless as eating plants would turn out to be the most impactful thing any individual can do?!

Benefits of plant based dietsSo, how does this work? The benefits of a plant rich diet, are many, each setting off a series of cascading positive effects. Let us highlight a few.

As a result of consuming healthy nutrition, you can protect yourself from the worst effects of infectious viral diseases (like the current corona pandemic), and can also limit the possible emergence of new outbreaks.
By eating a plant based (or vegan) diet, you can reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact , allowing for a sustainable environment on an inhabitable planet.
A whole food plant based diet is an optimal diet for improving overall and metabolic health , your own as well as that of your clients or family. In short, it will not only add years to life, but also life to years.

For whom?This MOOC was created for anyone, from ambitious learner to student, expert and professional from around the world. Are you interested in health, nutrition, environmental sustainability, system’s thinking and the future of food? Then this empowering, insightful MOOC is for you!

So, are you ready to contribute to solving the complex issues our world faces, while improving your health at the same time? Join us, enrol now.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Systems thinking - learn about the difference between holistic and reductionist approaches
Health and environmental benefits of plant-based nutrition
Plant-based diets for potential prevention of future infectious diseases
Direct and indirect drivers of our food choices

How consumers can change the food system bottom-up
How your food choices can benefit you and the global challenges
The relationship between food choices, chronic diseases, the environment, and infectious diseases

Systems thinking - learn about the difference between holistic and reductionist approaches
Health and environmental benefits of plant-based nutrition
Plant-based diets for potential prevention of future infectious diseases
Direct and indirect drivers of our food choices
How consumers can change the food system bottom-up
How your food choices can benefit you and the global challenges
The relationship between food choices, chronic diseases, the environment, and infectious diseases

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to the Global Challenges & Systems Thinking Introduction to the current state of the three challenges this MOOC focuses on: climate change, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases. You will learn about systems thinking and how a holistic, bottom-up consumer approach can bring about system change.

Module 2: Food Choices and the EnvironmentLearn about the food-climate connection and understand how food choices can contribute to current climate emergencies. How can plant-based diets benefit the environment?

Module 3: Food Choices and Viral PandemicsFind out how western food choices are connected to the emergence and propagation of infectious outbreaks such as COVID-19. Learn about ways to (collectively) reduce the future risk of communicable diseases.

Module 4: Food Choices and Chronic DiseaseLearn about the food-disease connection and understand how dietary habits are directly linked to the majority of the top 10 causes of death globally. Find out what plant-based diets can do in the prevention and reversal of some of the most common chronic diseases.

Module 5: Food Choices and Consumer EngagementLearn about how you, as a consumer, can leverage your food choices and create bottom-up food system change.

Module 6: Proposed Holistic SolutionLearn about the total interconnected system impacts associated with a shift towards mostly plant-based diets. Also find out what other food system actors can do to mitigate the impacts on both planet and people.

Week 7: assignmentIn this capstone assignment you will combine the knowledge of the previous modules to formulate your informed perspective of what healthy and sustainable food choices look like on an individual, local, or national level. This assignment can be applied to a practical case of your choice.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops systems thinking, which is critical for understanding complex global issues

Provides practical steps for individuals to contribute to solving global challenges through their food choices

Taught by experts in nutrition, sustainability, and environmental health

Focuses on evidence-based research, providing learners with a strong foundation in the science behind plant-based diets and their impact on health and the environment

Interactive and multi-modal, including videos, readings, discussions, and practical assignments

Suitable for a wide range of learners, from beginners to professionals

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 Plant Based Diets: Food for a Sustainable Future with these activities:

Read "The China Study"

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Understand the nutritional benefits of plant-based diets by reading a seminal book in the field

View AMERICAN WEST BOOKS The China Study Revised... on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes
Summarize key findings

Review previously obtained knowledge in nutrition

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Recall the nutritional knowledge you acquired in a previous course and apply it to the context of plant-based diets

Browse courses on Nutrition

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Review notes and textbooks
Identify key concepts
Create a summary of the main ideas

Solve practice problems related to the nutritional content of foods

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Reinforce your understanding of the fundamental principles of nutrition

Browse courses on Nutrition

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Find practice problems
Solve the problems
Check your answers

Five other activities

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Follow tutorials on cooking plant-based dishes

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Learn practical cooking techniques for preparing plant-based meals

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Search for tutorials
Choose tutorials that align with your interests
Follow the instructions carefully

Create a weekly meal plan based on plant-based foods

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Apply your knowledge of plant-based diets by planning a week's worth of meals that align with the principles of the course

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Research plant-based recipes
Plan the meals for each day
Write down the ingredients and instructions

Attend a conference or webinar on plant-based nutrition

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Connect with professionals in the field and learn about the latest developments in plant-based nutrition

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Research conferences or webinars
Register for the event
Attend the event

Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen

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Gain practical experience in the field of nutrition and contribute to your community

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Find a volunteering opportunity
Apply for the position
Complete the necessary training

Write a blog post about the benefits of plant-based diets

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Enhance your understanding of the subject matter by explaining key concepts in your own words

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Research the topic
Organize your thoughts
Write the blog post

Career center

Learners who complete Plant Based Diets: Food for a Sustainable Future will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Analyst

Sustainability Analysts help businesses meet environmental standards and reduce their carbon footprint. With knowledge of plant-based diets and their impact on climate change, you will be able to better advise clients on how to make their business operations more eco-friendly and sustainable, and you will also be able to find ways to reduce their impact on the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants help organizations achieve their environmental goals and comply with environmental regulations. With your understanding of how food choices affect the environment, you will be able to better advise clients on how to make more sustainable choices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians help people improve their health by making healthy food choices. With your knowledge of the health benefits of plant-based diets, you will be able to better advise clients on how to make healthier choices and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.

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Health Educator

Health Educators help people make healthy lifestyle choices. With your understanding of the health benefits of plant-based diets, you can help people understand how their food choices impact their health.

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Public Health Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionists work to improve the health of communities by promoting healthy eating habits. With your knowledge of plant-based diets and their impact on health and the environment, you can help develop and implement nutrition programs that promote healthy eating and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist

Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers help people in underserved communities improve their health. With your understanding of plant-based diets and their potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, you can help community members make healthier choices and improve their overall health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker

Food System Planner

Food System Planners work to create a more sustainable food system that provides healthy food for all. With your understanding of the food system and the impact of food choices on health and the environment, you can help develop plans that promote plant-based diets and reduce the environmental impact of food production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food System Planner

Food Policy Analyst

Food Policy Analysts develop and implement policies that promote healthy eating and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. With your understanding of the food system and the impact of food choices on health and the environment, you can help develop policies that make plant-based diets more accessible and affordable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Policy Analyst

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists study the impact of the environment on human health. With your understanding of the relationship between food choices and the environment, you will be able to better understand the health risks associated with different food choices and develop policies to mitigate these risks.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the causes and distribution of diseases in populations. With your understanding of the relationship between food choices and chronic diseases, you will be able to better identify the risk factors for these diseases and develop strategies to prevent them.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists help people make healthy food choices. With your knowledge of the health benefits of plant-based diets, you will be able to better advise clients on how to make healthier choices and reduce their risk of chronic diseases. While a registered dietitian will typically need a bachelor's degree, those with a master's degree in nutrition can also work as a nutritionist.

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School Nurse

School Nurses provide health care to students in schools. With your understanding of the health benefits of plant-based diets, you can help teach students about healthy eating habits and promote healthy choices.

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Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists diagnose and treat diseases of the endocrine system, which includes the glands that produce hormones. With your understanding of the relationship between food choices and chronic diseases, you will be able to better understand the causes of endocrine disorders and develop more effective treatments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Endocrinologist

Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat diseases of the digestive system. With your understanding of the relationship between food choices and chronic diseases, you will be able to better understand the causes of digestive diseases and develop more effective treatments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gastroenterologist

Cardiologist

Cardiologists diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels. With your understanding of the relationship between food choices and chronic diseases, you will be able to better understand the causes of cardiovascular diseases and develop more effective treatments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cardiologist