Certificate in Food, Nutrition, and Health

Learn how food interacts with your body and discover how to make healthy nutritional choices that will impact your well-being. This course provides an overview of current food and nutrition issues, including obesity, nutrition and stress, food labels, botanicals and herbs, genetically modified foods, and how your food choices affect your physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health.

6 Weeks / 16 Course Hrs

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Learning method

Self-Guided

$150

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Instructor-Moderated

$135

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Starting January 15 | February 12

Details + Objectives

Course code: 0fn

Food and nutrition have a profound impact on our health and well-being, yet many of us are not aware of what foods to eat, which diets are healthy, and where our food originates. We eat toxic, irradiated, or genetically altered foods and we eat more than we need. How can we change our eating habits and become more conscious of what we eat, why we eat it, how it is prepared, and what consequences our food choices have on our health as well as the health of our planet? This certificate provides an overview of the role of food and nutrition choices on our bodies, our immune systems, our overall well-being, and the health of all sentient beings on an increasingly populated planet.

The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe a holistic overview of current food and nutrition issues and their impact on physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and planetary health.

(16 contact hours)

Expiration Date: 06/01/2025

(Next date of course revision)

No one in a position to control content has conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare for this activity.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

Accreditation:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC was awarded Accreditation with Distinction, the highest recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Accreditation Program.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

DIABETES EDUCATORS

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

What you will learn

Describe the connection between nutrition and health.
Explain the relationship between nutrition, stress, and immune function.
Discuss current issues in nutrition.
Explain the impact of obesity on public health in the United States.
Describe how to accurately read food labels.
Compare and contrast the health benefits and risks of various natural sweeteners.
Explain the health considerations of botanicals, herbs, and herbalism.
Describe the role of probiotics in health.
Explain the local and global consequences of food choices.

How you will benefit

Gain a greater awareness of what we eat, why we eat it, how it is prepared, and the physical, social, and environmental consequences of food choices on health, communities, and the planet.
Examine the relationship between stress, obesity, the immune system, and nutrition.
Explore how botanicals, herbs, herbalism, and probiotics can influence health and well-being.
Discover how to properly read a food label and choose healthier sweeteners.
Examine the current issues in nutrition, including toxins in the food chain, plastics and food, choosing appropriate supplements, food allergies, genetically modified organisms, and more.
Discover ways to improve your total health and well-being and positively impact your life and the life of your family.
Learn new information that can help you prepare for a career in many areas of health (including health education, public health, nursing, medicine, social work, environmental health, or health coaching) as well as other fields (such as law, political science, advocacy, etc.).
Build knowledge and competencies needed to advance your career and/or improve your personal health and well-being.
Fulfill continuing education and/or national certification requirements.

How the course is taught

Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
6 Weeks or 3 Months access
16 course hours

Outline

What we eat profoundly affects our health and well-being. Obesity is at epidemic proportions in the United States and throughout the world. Many of us eat more than we require. We eat when we are rushed. We don't understand how various food elements interact; and we are not as knowledgeable as we could be about various diet types and their effects on our health.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the role of food and health in human history as well as explain the various elements of nutrition and some of the most common types of diets are explored.

Most individuals enjoy sitting down and eating a delicious meal. Food provides an opportunity to socialize and, if the food is nutritious, it also supports a healthy body and mind. However, if individuals are stressed before, during, or after a meal, the nutrients they eat are not utilized as effectively as when people are relaxed. If stress also causes an individual to eat food that is not nutritious, health issues can result. Nutrition, stress, and the immune system are closely related.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the relationship between food and emotions, the stress response, the effects of stress on nutrition and health, mindful eating and methods of eating mindfully, and elements of nutrition that support a healthy immune system.

Two-thirds of adults and one-third of children in the United States are overweight or obese. Left unchecked, the effects of this crisis on the nation's health, health care costs, and productivity could be catastrophic. As a nation, we're getting more obese every day, many of our children are obese, and our life expectancies are much shorter because of it, despite trying many types of diets, eating less, and moving more.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the extent of obesity in the United States, the difference between being overweight and being obese, the causes of overweight and obesity, the health and economic consequences of obesity, and the pharmaceutical and surgical options for obese individuals.

Our diet has a profound impact on our health and well-being as well as the health of the environment, yet many of us are not aware of where our food originated or how it was produced. We eat toxic, irradiated, or genetically altered foods, and we eat more than we need. How can we change our eating habits and become more conscious of what we eat, why we eat it, and how it is prepared?

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the types of toxins found in food and to examine the effects of irradiation, genetically altered foods, and food allergies on our health.

Food is a dynamic force that interacts with our bodies on multiple levels: the physical level, the mental-emotional level, and the energetic or spiritual level. Conscious eating involves an awareness of the eating process from beginning to end, and it includes thinking about how dietary choices affect others. Any food choice that is truly good for an individual's physical health and well-being will also be good for his/her spiritual well-being. Today's food landscape is dominated by factory farms and food industry practices that violate spiritual principles, as well as human and animal rights, and damage the health of the planet.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the concept of spiritual, conscious eating, the effects of unconscious eating on the health of humans, animals, and plants, and guidelines for individuals who seek to support a lifestyle that includes spiritual nutrition practices.

An important element of health is the ability to understand what is in the food we eat. Knowing how to read and understand food labels can help individuals make healthier food choices. Many consumers do not fully understand what the labels on their food means in terms of nutritional value or the way the food was produced, raised, and manufactured. With this knowledge, understanding the labels becomes easier and making healthy choices are the result.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe how to read a Nutrition Facts label; explain food claims in terms of nutritional value; define what "organic" means; examine the four organic principles; and identify various food labels in terms of their significance to food products.

While modern medicine has produced many scientific advances, one of the most important "advances" in health and medicine has been the recognition of the value of botanicals, herbs, and herbalism. After all, nature and plants have been an essential part of everyday life since the beginning of recorded history. Used for medicines, clothing, food, and in religious ceremonies, in many health belief systems, plants are considered a gift of nature and valued for their healing effects.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the role of botanicals, herbs, and herbalists, herb processing, herbalist training, and current issues regarding the use of herbs and botanicals.

Most Americans consume far more sugar than they require, and this contributes to obesity as well as many types of diseases. The role of sugar in the American diet is an important one, and understanding its effect on the body and its role in inflammation and disease can significantly affect one's health. Alternatives to refined sugar are numerous, but are they safe and effective? Not all sweeteners are created equal and it is important to understand which ones are generally accepted as safe and which ones may threaten one's health.

The outcome of this course for the learner is to describe the historical overview of the role of sugar in the American diet, as well as explain the various definitions of sugar, glucose metabolism and the health effects of too much dietary sugar, the glycemic index, artificial and natural alternatives to sugar, and methods of reducing dietary sugar intake.

Probiotics are live microbes (bacteria) believed to be beneficial for the host organism. They are the same or very similar to bacteria already in the body. The lower digestive track is filled with a complex and diverse community comprised of millions of these microbes. They are used globally to improve the health and well-being of animals and humans. Sales of probiotic supplements have soared in recent years on the basis of intriguing research that demonstrates potential benefits for many chronic conditions, including cancer. With the rise in interest in integrative health as well as complementary and alternative therapies, this trend is likely to continue.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe what probiotics are (and are not), how they affect our health, the various categories of probiotics, the risks and benefits of their use, how to select a probiotic, pertinent regulatory considerations, and the current research on their use.

Instructors & Support

Cyndie Koopsen

Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC is a nurse who has cared for patients in acute care settings, community clinics, and the home. Her professional nursing career has involved nursing executive leadership and administration, accreditation consultation, staff development and education, community education and wellness, and holistic care. She has designed, developed, and presented numerous educational programs for audiences covering integrative health, promotion and wellness, and chronic disease management and prevention. She is the co-author (with Caroline Young) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Caroline Young

Caroline Young, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

FAQ

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each Exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or a cumulative final exam.

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor.

Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

You can complete each lesson at your own pace. There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within your course access period. You must complete the mandatory course evaluation within the duration of your course to access your certificate of completion.

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Yes. This course is acceptable for continuing education contact hours in all states. However, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

NURSING

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNAs) & CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIANS (CHTs)
The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

CERTIFIED MANAGED CARE NURSE (CMCN)
The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

DIABETES EDUCATORS

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors(NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

This certificate is relevant for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed vocational nurses, practical nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, administrators, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, dieticians, educators, personal care assistants, volunteers, physicians, physician's assistants, chiropractors, clergy, physical fitness professionals, and interested individuals.

Instructor-Led: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Self-Paced: You can start this course at any time your schedule permits.

Instructor-Led: You will have access to all lessons at the start of your course, and an instructor available if you have any questions.

Self-Paced: You have three-month access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. An instructor is not available for assistance within this course.

Instructor-Led: An automatic 10-day extension is provided immediately after the session end date. No further extension can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Paced: No extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for CE contact hours in all states, however, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions or Commission on Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product(s).

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

Reviews

It was life-changing. I learned so much. It will be so useful in everyday life to make better choices, "to live better and help those around me to live better." Thanks!

I am a personal chef, and I intend to pass on the knowledge I learned here to my clientele in order for them to lead a more healthy, happy, prosperous lives. I will certainly remember everything taught on eating organically. I will consider it when grocery shopping and speaking with my clients.

I believe the instructors who taught the course were phenomenal. I really enjoyed them in the discussion area and the overall course work as well.

I am an early childhood educator, and I am opening my own day home (daycare), so I will apply what I have learned in this course about nutrition and food, not only to my own kids and family, but also to the children in my care. This course had really helped me even more, with all the information I had from before about food and good, healthy eating. I want to thank you for everything, and I am recommending this course to all of my friends. Thank you!

This was an amazing course, and I thank the instructors for a well-organized and thorough curriculum.

Currently I'm not in a health field but plan to earn a dietary technician certification, and I feel this course provided a good foundation, as well as a means of stimulating my interest in the subject. Thank you, instructors, for a well-written and relevant course that I can also use to support my own personal health goals.

As a restaurant manager, I plan on utilizing the information I gained to offer more nutritional and mindful menu choices.

As a result of this course, I will advise my patients to maintain a healthy weight by eating right - a mostly plant-based diet - exercising regularly, taking probiotics, and decreasing stress levels in order to live a disease-free, balanced and happy life.

I will be able to help guide my clients towards healthier lifestyles through my own understanding of nutrition.

When I signed up for this course, my intention was to get an introductory food and nutrition course. This course MORE than met my expectations! The cost was fair and very reasonable, making the material available to a wide range of consumers and professionals. It was surprisingly current and up-to-date. It was surprisingly unbiased. I'm very skeptical that so much nutritional information is provided to consumers today in a very biased manner. There always seems to be an agenda. Blatant claims are made about one food or another or specific food groups that often seem, to me, to be overblown. This course had none of that, and I appreciate the thought and pre-criticism that these two instructors put into the course materials. Thank you for this wonderful class. I'm certain I will refer often to this material!