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Karen Hartzenberg

The Health and Vitality Bootcamp: Nutrition Basics course is designed to help you understand the nutritional needs of your body better so you can be confident in making good food choices.  Transform your health, control your weight and enjoy delicious food. 

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The Health and Vitality Bootcamp: Nutrition Basics course is designed to help you understand the nutritional needs of your body better so you can be confident in making good food choices.  Transform your health, control your weight and enjoy delicious food. 

You will discover how your body uses carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.  You will learn that carbohydrates are NOT essential nutrients and that alcohol is a FOOD GROUP for a number of reasons.  You will discover that drinking 8 glasses of water a day might not be necessary (and you will learn that there's a better way to gauge your level of hydration).  You will also understand why counting calories is a waste of time and mental energy. 

At the end of this course, you will be empowered with skills that will allow you to emerge victorious from the grocery store, without being conned into buying unhealthy foods by stealthy food packaging. 

And, your meals will be more balanced, healthy and nutrient-dense which means that you and your family will enjoy better health, improved energy and vitality. 

Course Outline:

  • Body composition, food groups and energy:  Learn what your body is made of and how to nourish your body correctly according to its needs.

  • Carbohydrates and Insulin metabolism:  Understand that all carbohydrates are metabolised in the same way but some carbohydrates are healthier than others.  Learn about insulin and its role in inflammation, appetite regulation and weight.  Discover how you can make better carbohydrate choices for energy, weight management and longevity.

  • Fats:  Understand that eating fat does not make you fat.  Find out which fats are healthier for you and why. 

  • Proteins:  Learn about plant-based and animal-based proteins and how much protein you need.

  • Fibre:  Discover the amazing health benefits of fibre and how you can easily meet your daily requirements of fibre by making a few small changes to your meals.

  • Hydration and fluids:  Learn about fluid balance and hydration and how best to gauge your individual hydration level.  Understand why alcohol is considered a FOOD GROUP and how best to enjoy alcohol without negative metabolic consequences.

  • Meal planning using the Healthy Plate template:  Discover updated nutrition guidelines and how these relate to your body composition.  Learn how to apply this knowledge practically when planning meals for you and your family. 

  • Shopping and reading food labels:  Understand that grocery shopping is one of the key determinants of whether your family will enjoy healthy nutritious food.  Learn to read food labels like a pro and outsmart food packaging so you can make the best food choices for you and your family.

There are 8 video sessions supported by written guidelines and some downloadable resources like recipes and healthy nutrition handouts. 

If you have questions or need more clarification on specific topics relevant to your health and nutrition, you can contact me directly via my facebook page (lifestyledoc) or instagram (drkhartzenberg).

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Body composition: what your body is made of and how to nourish your body with what it needs for optimum health.
  • Food groups: learn about carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fibre, vitamins, minerals and alcohol. how these nutrients are digested and metabolised in your body.
  • Energy: where your body gets energy and how to optimise your metabolism for better energy levels.
  • Insulin metabolism: why it is important to lower your insulin levels to obtain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation.
  • Hydration and fluid balance: how to keep your body in peek working order by ensuring good hydration.
  • Smart shopping: face the grocery store armed with skills and knowledge to buy only what is good for you and your family. learn to read food labels.
  • Meal planning for health and vitality: discover how to plan your meals so that you get the optimum balance of nutrients.

Syllabus

Introduction

In this session:

  • Understand what your body is made of

  • Learn about food groups and energy balance

  • Reflect on what you would like to achieve through improving your nutrition knowledge

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In this section, you will understand that carbohydrates are not ESSENTIAL nutrients.  You will learn that some carbohydrates are healthier than others.  You will also discover that ALL carbohydrates metabolise to sugar and ALL carbohydrates impact on your insulin level which can affect your appetite, energy and health. 

You've been told: 'Fat is BAD!'... 'Eat less fat'... 'Fat causes cholesterol'.

Well, fat is actually an essential nutrient that has important functions in your body. You NEED to eat fat. But, eating the RIGHT fat is important.

Healthy fats help increase good cholesterol (HDL), keep you feeling fuller for longer and actually help reduce the total number of calories you eat in a day.

Some sources of healthy fats to include more frequently in your diet include: Olives and olive oil, nuts and seeds, coconut, avocadoes, dark chocolate and fish.

Wow! Session 7!

In this session... we will examine dietary guidelines. We talk about the old diet pyramid and how these guidelines were fundamentally incorrect. And then we look at a new way of thinking about our nutritional intake.

I will show you what a Healthy Plate looks like and explain that the proportion of nutrients is far more important for well-being than portion sizes. You will learn that if you eat more vegetables, proteins and healthy fats you will feel better, ensure that your nutritional needs are met, and you will not struggle with cravings.

If you can work towards having a Healthy Plate at every meal, I guarantee you that you will enjoy more energy, better concentration, better performance in sports, and you will be able to manage your weight.

Don't forget to download your Healthy Plate & Nutrient Info Guide - here you will find some reminders of body composition and tips on how to work towards achieving a 'Healthy Plate' for most of your meals. You will also find some information about healthy carbohydrates, good sources of protein and healthy sources of fat.

In the past, we used to plan our meals around the carbohydrate because we were told that carbs should be the basis of all our meals, because carbs provide the energy we need.  So, I used to ask myself:  'What's for dinner... Pasta, potatoes, rice...?'

Now that you understand what your body is made of, how macronutrients are metabolised and how to structure your meals in an optimal and healthy way... You need to start re-thinking your meals and perhaps adapt some of your favourite recipes to be balanced in a better way. 

Remember, your optimal meal should comprise: 

  1. 50% vegetables (so think FIRST about which vegetables you will include in your meal)

  2. 25-30% protein (so think NEXT about which proteins you will enjoy as part of your meal)

  3. 10-15% healthy fats (so think NEXT about which healthy fats you will add with your veggies and proteins on your plate)

  4. 10-15% smart carbohydrates (so consider your carbohydrates as a side-dish, or LAST and LEAST IMPORTANT component of your meal).   

Here are some recipes to get you started and inspired. 

If you need help re-structuring your meals, feel free to contact me in the chat :)

Congratulations!

You have invested time and effort in increasing your nutrition knowledge and now you are ready to take a quick a quiz to see how much you remember!

Of course, there is NO pressure - this is simply a tool you can use to see how much you have learned.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the role of macronutrients like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which are essential for understanding balanced nutrition and making informed dietary choices
Examines the importance of fiber for health and vitality, which can help learners make informed choices about incorporating fiber-rich foods into their diets
Discusses hydration and fluid balance, which is crucial for maintaining optimal bodily functions and overall health, and helps learners understand their individual hydration needs
Teaches how to plan meals using a healthy plate template, which provides a practical framework for creating balanced and nutritious meals for individuals and families
Covers smart shopping strategies and food label reading, which empowers learners to make informed choices at the grocery store and avoid unhealthy food packaging traps
Challenges conventional wisdom about carbohydrates and insulin metabolism, which may be at odds with established dietary guidelines and could require further research

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Reviews summary

Practical nutrition for health & vitality

According to learners, this course offers a clear and concise overview of essential nutrition principles, designed to empower individuals to make healthier food choices. Many found the content easy to understand and appreciated how it debunks common myths surrounding fats, carbohydrates, and calories. Students particularly highlighted the practical advice provided, finding the sections on meal planning and grocery shopping immediately applicable to their daily lives. While the course is presented as foundational, covering the basics comprehensively, learners report gaining valuable insights that led to positive changes in their eating habits and overall well-being. Overall, feedback indicates a largely positive reception.
Excellent starting point for beginners.
"This course is perfect for someone new to nutrition who wants a solid foundation."
"It covers the basic principles thoroughly, which was exactly what I needed."
"While it's basic, it's a great refresher and confirms what I thought I knew."
"Anyone just starting their health journey will find this course incredibly helpful."
Led to healthier habits.
"Since taking this course, I feel more confident in my food choices and have more energy."
"My eating habits have improved significantly thanks to the knowledge gained here."
"It motivated me to make simple but impactful changes to my diet."
"I feel empowered to nourish my body better after completing this bootcamp."
Challenges nutritional misconceptions.
"Eye-opening insights on carbohydrates and fats! It completely changed my perspective."
"Finally understand why counting calories isn't necessary. So freeing!"
"The session on alcohol as a 'food group' was fascinating and broke down myths."
"I appreciate how the course directly addresses and corrects common diet myths."
Offers immediately useful tips.
"The tips on grocery shopping and reading labels are incredibly useful. I use them every time I shop now."
"Learning the healthy plate model changed how I structure my meals daily."
"I can actually apply what I learned here to my everyday life right away."
"The practical hacks provided are the best part; they make healthy eating achievable."
Content is easy to understand.
"The explanations were very clear and easy to follow, making complex topics accessible."
"Loved how simply the concepts were broken down. I finally understand the basics!"
"Instructor explains everything in a clear, straightforward manner. No jargon."
"Very concise, gets straight to the point without unnecessary fluff."

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 Health and Vitality Bootcamp: Nutrition Basics with these activities:
Review Basic Biology Concepts
Refresh your understanding of basic biology concepts to better grasp how nutrients are processed and utilized by the body.
Browse courses on Cellular Biology
Show steps
  • Review your notes on cellular biology and macromolecules.
  • Read about the digestive system and metabolic processes.
  • Take a practice quiz on basic biology concepts.
Read 'In Defense of Food' by Michael Pollan
Gain a broader perspective on food and nutrition by reading a well-regarded book that challenges conventional dietary wisdom.
View In Defense of Food on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'In Defense of Food' by Michael Pollan.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
  • Reflect on how the book's ideas relate to the course content.
Document a Week of Meals
Apply the course's principles by tracking your meals for a week and analyzing them based on the Healthy Plate template.
Show steps
  • Record everything you eat and drink for seven days.
  • Analyze each meal based on the Healthy Plate template.
  • Identify areas where you can improve your meal planning.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Reading Food Labels
Sharpen your ability to decipher food labels by practicing with a variety of products.
Show steps
  • Gather a collection of food products with diverse labels.
  • Analyze the labels, focusing on serving size, macronutrients, and ingredients.
  • Identify misleading claims and hidden sugars.
Design a Healthy Meal Plan
Solidify your understanding of nutrition by creating a personalized meal plan based on the course's principles.
Show steps
  • Determine your individual nutritional needs and goals.
  • Select recipes and foods that align with the Healthy Plate template.
  • Create a detailed meal plan for a week, including shopping lists.
Read 'Deep Nutrition' by Catherine Shanahan
Expand your knowledge of nutrition by exploring the principles of traditional diets and their impact on health.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Deep Nutrition' by Catherine Shanahan.
  • Read the book, focusing on the principles of traditional diets.
  • Reflect on how these principles relate to modern nutrition guidelines.
Share Your Knowledge
Reinforce your learning by sharing your newfound nutrition knowledge with friends and family.
Show steps
  • Identify someone who could benefit from your nutrition knowledge.
  • Share key concepts from the course and answer their questions.
  • Offer practical tips for improving their eating habits.

Career center

Learners who complete Health and Vitality Bootcamp: Nutrition Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Nutritionist
A nutritionist provides expert advice on food and nutrition, guiding individuals and groups toward healthier eating habits; this role aligns perfectly with what the course teaches. This course helps build a foundation in understanding macronutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as micronutrients. The course's focus on meal planning using a healthy plate template is directly applicable to a nutritionist's work in creating balanced meal plans for clients. The course covers key issues such as insulin metabolism, hydration, and shopping strategies for making informed choices, all of which are skills that a nutritionist would use every day. Individuals who wish to become a nutritionist would find that this course addresses all of their core needs.
Health Coach
A health coach helps clients set and achieve health goals through lifestyle changes, including nutrition; this role complements the learnings in this course. The course teaches core nutritional concepts, such as the impact of carbohydrates on insulin levels, healthy fat choices, protein needs, and the importance of fiber. The course's focus on strategic grocery shopping and deciphering food labels helps health coaches guide their clients in making the best dietary decisions. This course helps individuals learn to plan meals that promote vitality. A health coach would benefit from this course's clear presentation of nutrition fundamentals, which can then be applied when coaching clients towards healthier lifestyles.
Health Educator
A health educator teaches individuals and communities about various health topics; this role is highly connected to what you will learn in the course. This course explains how the body uses carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It covers common misconceptions about nutrition, such as the role of fat and carbohydrates. The course also equips the health educator with an understanding of hydration and fluid balance. This course is helpful for health educators who want to address nutrition and help their audience make better food choices.
Wellness Consultant
A wellness consultant advises organizations and individuals on creating environments and habits that promote overall health and well-being; this overlaps with the concepts taught in the course. The course's exploration of macronutrients, meal planning, and understanding food labels helps equip a wellness consultant with the knowledge to create useful programs. The course's discussion of topics such as hydration, the role of fiber and alcohol consumption gives a wellness consultant the knowledge base needed to advise others. This course is particularly useful for anyone wanting to work as a wellness consultant who does not have formal nutrition training, and would like to offer guidance on nutrition.
Corporate Wellness Specialist
A corporate wellness specialist develops and implements wellness programs for employees within a company; this role is directly related to material in this course. This course gives a corporate wellness specialist the foundational nutritional knowledge needed to design and deliver effective wellness programs, which can include lectures, workshops, and meal planning guidelines. The course covers a wide range of topics such as macronutrient metabolism, hydration, and shopping strategies. The course's focus on practical meal planning using templates is relevant to the programs a corporate wellness specialist would create, particularly when making recommendations to employees about improving health and vitality.
Dietitian
A dietitian provides expert advice on diet and nutrition, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions; this is another role this course can serve to prepare individuals for. The course provides a thorough understanding of the various food groups, including fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and how these are metabolized within the body. Aspiring dietitians will find it helpful that the course explains the importance of fiber, hydration, and how to make healthy choices within a grocery store environment. This course also teaches how to create a healthy plate, which is a key skill for dietitians to pass to their clients.
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers design exercise programs and advise clients on nutrition to achieve fitness goals; this role intersects with the course's curriculum. This course will help a personal trainer understand the role of macronutrients and micronutrients, the importance of balanced nutrition, and how to apply nutrition guidelines to meet various health objectives. The course also helps personal trainers understand the best ways to hydrate the body, and provides a framework for making healthy, informed food choices. A personal trainer who wants to give comprehensive advice will find this course very useful.
Wellness Program Manager
A wellness program manager oversees and manages an organization's wellness programs; this role will benefit from the material taught in the course. This course outlines the fundamental nutritional concepts, such as the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients. It also covers meal planning, shopping strategies, and how to read food labels. A wellness program manager may use this knowledge to create and maintain a successful wellness program within an organization. This course helps build a foundation of knowledge in this area.
Culinary Educator
A culinary educator teaches cooking techniques and nutritional information to students; this role greatly benefits from the knowledge in this course. The course explains various nutrition topics, including the role of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It explains how to shop for healthy foods and how to use a healthy plate to plan meals. Culinary educators would use this information to teach students about healthy cooking. This course is appropriate for a culinary educator who wants to teach with a solid nutritional foundation.
Nutrition Writer
A nutrition writer creates content about nutrition and healthy eating for publications or websites; this role is supported by the concepts in this course. This course explains macronutrients and how the body uses them. It provides an understanding of the importance of fiber, hydration, and how to make informed decisions when shopping for healthy food. Nutrition writers can use this information to develop accurate and informed content for their audience. This is course may be helpful to a nutrition writer looking to develop a foundational understanding of nutrition.
Food Blogger
A food blogger creates recipes and content about food; this role is supported by the concepts taught in this course. This course explains the role of macronutrients and micronutrients, and it describes strategies for meal planning. Food bloggers can use this information to develop recipes that are not only tasty, but also healthy. This course can be a useful tool for a food blogger looking to provide an informed perspective on nutrition, and provide healthful content to readers.
Health Program Coordinator
A health program coordinator develops and directs health programs within an organization; this is a role this course helps prepare individuals for. This course provides a solid foundation in nutrition basics, including the understanding of food groups, metabolism, and meal planning strategies. A health program coordinator will be able to apply this knowledge when working with individuals or a community. This course is a good starting point for anyone in this role who wants to build a comprehensive understanding of nutrition.
Public Health Advocate
A public health advocate works to promote healthy living; this role may benefit from the kind of knowledge taught in this course. The course helps build a healthy understanding of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It teaches how to design better meals, shop more effectively, and develop an understanding of hydration needs. The course may be useful to public health workers by equipping them with foundational nutrition knowledge. This course may help public health advocates create useful public health programs.
Research Assistant
A research assistant helps with health-related research studies; this is a role where this course may be useful. This course describes the fundamentals of nutrition and how the body uses macronutrients. It also explains the importance of fiber and hydration. Research assistants may use this knowledge when working on studies related to health and wellness. This course is a helpful introduction to nutrition, and may support the work of a research assistant.
Community Health Worker
A community health worker provides health-related support, often within underserved communities; this course may be useful in this role. The course provides a basic understanding of nutrition, including macronutrients and micronutrients. It also describes how to shop strategically and how to meal plan effectively. Community health workers may use this information to guide their communities toward better health. This course may be helpful as a foundational understanding of nutrition.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Health and Vitality Bootcamp: Nutrition Basics.
Provides a critical look at the modern food industry and offers simple, actionable advice for making healthier food choices. It complements the course by encouraging a focus on whole foods and mindful eating habits. It valuable resource for understanding the complexities of nutrition and developing a more intuitive approach to food. This book is best used as additional reading to expand on the course's core concepts.
Explores the connection between traditional diets and optimal health, offering insights into the importance of nutrient-dense foods. It expands on the course by providing a deeper understanding of the role of ancestral eating patterns in promoting vitality. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference. It provides a broader context for the course's principles.

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