Certificate of Nutrition Course Outline

Module 1 Digestion

The first module introduces you to the course and takes you through each stage of digestion from the first bite to the end product.

You’ll understand the fundamental reasons of why having a well-functioning digestive system, fuelled by nutritious whole food, impacts every part of our physical and emotional well-being.

You will:

- Learn which organs are involved and their participation in the network of converting food to fuel.
- Develop your knowledge of the greatest eco-system of the body – microbiome.
- Discover the synchronicity of the immune system.
- Become acquainted with the gut-brain axis.

Introduction
Where It All Begins
Mouth
Tongue
Salivary Glands
Pharynx
Oesophagus
Stomach
Small Intestine
Villi
Liver & Gallbladder
Pancreas
Large Intestine
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Microbiota
Leaky Gut
Gut & The Immune System
Inflammation
Sudden Injury
Chronic Inflammation
Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)
Neural Network
Neurotransmitters (NT)
Serotonin
Dopamine
Stress & Digestion
Natural Digestive Aids
Zinc
Bitters
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Prebiotics
Probiotics
Fermented Foods
Phytic Acid
Digesting Legumes, Grains & Nuts
Benefits of Bone Broth

Module 2 Carbohydrates

This module takes you through an overview of carbohydrates before delving deep into the fascinating subject of carbohydrate types and their power to influence homeostasis.

As you explore and gain clarity around the structures of simple and complex carbohydrate foods, you’ll discover how each is processed differently.

You will:

- Understand why certain carbohydrates are damaging, while others are life-giving sources of energy.
- See the significance of keeping blood sugar stable for whole-body health.
- Take a closer look at sugar and gluten.

An Overview on Carbohydrates
Complex Carbohydrates
Starch
Simple Carbohydrates
Fructose
Galactose
Sucrose
Lactose
Maltose
Blood Sugar
Insulin
Glucagon
Glycaemic Index (GI)
Glycaemic Load (GL)
Types of Sugar
Alternative Sugars and Natural Sweeteners
Gluten
What is Gluten?
Foods and Products Gluten Can Be Found In
Sourdough Bread

Module 3 Protein

In this module, you will discover why protein is the first nutrient required and how foods containing it inform the cellular structure of our bodies what to do.

There will be detailed information for the types of protein the body needs daily to thrive.

You will:

- Learn the important facts of proteins involved in body structure and systems.
- Understand why the body requires all amino acids to function optimally.
- Gain clarity on the importance of sustainability to obtain nourishment from food.

Role of Protein in Body
You are Biologically Unique
Personal Discernment
Proteins Intricate Involvement in the Body
How Much Protein Do We Need Daily?
Excess Protein
Protein Deficiency
Amino Acids
Why Are They Called Amino Acids?
Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids
Complete Proteins
Animal and Seafood Complete Protein
Plant-Based Complete Protein
Protein Chart
Complementing Plant Foods that Create a Complete Protein
Plant-Based Protein Meals
Creating Nutrient Diverse Plant Protein Meals
Ideas for Grain and Legume Partnerships
Ideas for Legume and Nuts/Seeds Partnerships
Complementing Sweet Treats
Sustainability

Module 4 Fats

This module will deepen your understanding of the body’s intelligence through the fundamentals of why it doesn’t thrive without good fats.

In simplistic terms, you will see the strategy of how it metabolises different types of fat we eat every day and learn what fats are essential for nourishment and good health.

You will:

- Discover all the different types of fats and where they come from.
- Learn the importance of cholesterol.
- Understand the complexities of the brain’s dependence upon fat.
- Comprehend the dangers of trans-fatty acids.

Overview on Fats
Fact on Fats Finding Mission
Fat History
Why Do We Need to Eat Fat?
Lipids Family Tree
Chemistry of Lipids
Fatty Acids
Role of Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Long Chain Fatty Acids
Medium Chain Fatty Acids
Short Chain Fatty Acids
The Energy Stores of Fat
Saturated Fats (SFAs)
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs)
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Omega-3 (Linolenic Acid)
Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid)
Ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6
Artificial Trans Fatty Acids
Cholesterol
The Brain – Chewing the Fat
Standout Beneficial Foodie Fats
Coconut Oil
Flaxseeds
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Butter
Ghee

Module 5 Vitamins

Through this module, you will arrive at an established knowledge of the power play vitamins have as co-workers in getting nutrients into the cells of the body for better health.

You’ll become familiar with the important purpose of antioxidants and understand their relationship with free radicals.

You will:

- Reaffirm how food choices influence our genes and vice versa.
- Establish an understanding of nutrient synergy.
- Identify why vitamins are crucial allies to the elements of health.
- Learn how to identify vitamin deficiencies.

Vitamin Overview
Antioxidants & Free Radicals
Free Radicals
Antioxidants
The Dangers of Antioxidant Synthetic Supplements
Vitamin Supplements in General
Water-Soluble Vitamins: C and B-complex
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
B-complex Vitamins
B1 (Thiamine)
B2 (Riboflavin)
B3 (Niacin)
B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
B6 (Pyridoxine)
B7 (Biotin)
B9 (Folate/Folic Acid)
B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E & K
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Nutrient Synergy

Module 6 Minerals

The landscape of this module takes you through macro and micro minerals, all of which are playing a role in our vitality.

As we move through, you will discover what interferes with mineral uptake into the cells and the synergy each mineral has with other nutrients.

You will:

- Understand the importance of electrolytes.
- Attain a deeper knowledge of the main foods containing each mineral.
- Learn how to identify mineral deficiencies.

The Importance of Mineralised Soil
Mineral Categories
Electrolytes
Bones of the Body
Macrominerals
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Chloride
Sodium
Microminerals or Trace Elements
Iodine
Copper
Chromium
Fluoride
Manganese
Molybdenum
Boron
Selenium
Zinc
Iron
Closing Thoughts

Module 7 Mind Body Connection

This intriguing module will open up opportunities to understand the biological effects stress conveys to inhibit the resources of the body for nourishment from food.

Find knowledgeable information about our emotions, the language of the body, how we feel, and the language of the mind.

You will:

- Find scientific reasons behind the connections of the body and the mind.
- Touch on the subject of the subconscious mind and habits.
- Discover vital reasons the brain needs a good night’s sleep.
- See how the breath straddles the moment in between stress and calm.

Introduction
Clear the Decks
The Conscious and Subconscious Mind
The Nature of Emotions
The Difference Between Feelings and Emotions
Stress
Holistic Ways to Help Reduce Stress
The Importance of Sleep
What Happens When We Sleep
Sleep Deprivation
Creating a Space to Support Sleep
The Breath
Using the Breath to Detoxify the Body
Breathing Techniques Demonstrated
The Power of a Healthy Relationship with Food
Perception/Body Image
Social Media and the Modern-Day Diet
The Intuition of the Body

Module 8 Hydration

Within this module, you will discover why water is life and the way hydration is obtained and assisted into the cells of the body for use.

We will take a closer look at the body’s own detoxification systems and the contribution of foods in hydration.

You will:

- Understand the signs of dehydration and ways to combat it.
- Look at the signs of water retention and ways to combat it.
- Learn the basic function of the kidneys and elements of the skin.

Introduction
Hydration for Health
Body Fluids
Fluid Regulation / Water In - Water Out
Dehydration
Causes of Dehydration
Signs of Dehydration
Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of Water Per Day
Water Retention in the Body
Signs of Water Retention
Causes of Water Retention
Natural Ways to Relieve Water Retention
Rehydration
Fluid Hydrators
Contribution of Water from Foods
Best Foods for Hydration
Detoxification Systems of the Body
Where the Body Stores Toxins
Lymphatic System
Lymph and the Immune System
Ways to Stimulate Lymphatic Flow
Kidneys
Functions of the Kidneys
The Skin
Sweat
Skin Body Brushing Technique

Module 9 Weight Management

As you journey through this module, you will understand that the fundamental currency of the body is energy.

Gain understanding about the adrenal glands and the relationship between cortisol – the stress hormone involved in the regulation of metabolism, and insulin – the fat-storage hormone.

You will:

- Investigate what interferes with weight loss.
- Learn the basic function of the liver and its role in weight management.
- Have an overview of eating disorders.

Introduction
Obesity
Eating Disorders
The Endocrine System
Hormones and Body Weight
The Primary Glands of the Endocrine System
Adrenal Glands - Adrenaline
Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal Insufficiency (AI)
Cortisol
Metabolism
Energy Expenditure (EE)
Energy Currency
How Energy is Released - ATP
How to Replenish ATP
Units of Energy
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)
Visceral Fat
Body Fat Distribution
The Landing Pad - Self Care
Eating Psychology
The Liver
Fatty Liver Disease
Closing Thoughts

Module 10 Food Labels

Through this module, you will gain product knowledge about how to be selective when shopping for food, body and cleaning products.

Become wise about what to look out for even if products have a health endorsement claim.

Journeying through this module will help you to be savvy about processed foods.

You will:

- Learn how to interpret food labels for the truth of what is in a product.
- Understand the meaning of additives, E numbers and food colouring.
- Discover dangerous additives to be aware of in food and body products.

Introduction
Legalities of Food Labelling
Information Required on Food Labels
A Closer Look at What is in a Product
Nutrition Information Panel (NIP)
Heath Star Rating (HSR) System
Health Agency Logos
Health Claims
Ingredients List
Food Additives
E Numbers
Food Colouring
Artificial V’s Natural Food Flavours
Dangerous Additives
Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners
Genetically Modified Food
Synthetic Chemicals in Skin Care
Our Home Environments
Closing Thoughts

Module 11 Meal Plans

This module takes you through the fundamentals of creating meal plans and the elements involved in the process.

You’ll become familiar with the foundations of eight diet types, from Paleo to Vegan. Using your newly acquired confidence, you will be able to recognise the nutritional fundamentals of each one.

You will:

- Be shown examples of meal plans.
- Apply your knowledge by creating your own meals plans for clients.
- Gain confidence in putting together nourishing meals.

Introduction
The Purpose of Meal Plans
Ensures Nutritious Meals
Engages Time Scheduling
Reduces Stress Around Meals
Reduces Pre-dinner Snacking
Reduces Food Costs
Limits Food Waste
Creating Meal Plans
Creating a Meal Plan for Clients
Meal Plan Assessment/Questionnaire for Clients
Choose a Meal Plan Template
Know What Meals you are Planning
Review the Weekly Schedule
Re-stocking Kitchen Items
Eating Styles
Definition of Plant-Based
Fundamentals of the Vegetarian Diet
Fundamentals of the Vegan Diet
Fundamentals of the Paleo Diet
Fundamentals of the Keto (Ketogenic) Diet
Fundamentals of the Flexitarian Diet
Fundamentals of the Whole-food Plant-based (WFPB) Diet
Fundamentals of the Mediterranean Diet
Fundamentals of the Low-FODMAPS Diet
Developing Meal Plans for Clients
Creating a Rainbow Nourishment Bowl (RNB)
Nourishing Snack Ideas
Sprouting to Increase Nutrient Density
Four Day Vegan Meal Plan
Four Day Paleo Meal Plan
Four Day Flexitarian Meal Plan
Closing Thoughts

Module 12 Starting Your Own Nutrition Practice

If you have decided to become a professional Nutrition Consultant, or still considering it, going through this module will take you through the fundamentals of creating your own practice.

There is a wealth of information here to inspire you and help guide you through creating a unique brand as a Nutritionist.

Even if you have no intention of using this course to start your own nutrition practice, the assignment tasks are tailored to invite you to discover more about yourself and the fun of creating one, if only on paper.

You will:

- Learn how to put together a business plan.
- Be taken through money matters and financial health.
- Benefit from this valuable information regarding business development and social media positioning.

Starting Your Own Business
Business Plan
Executive Summary
Your Business Overview
Business Environment and Competition
Sales and Marketing
Financial Plan
Setting Up Your Business
Business Structure
Business and Domain Names
Branding
Developing an Aesthetic
Branding My Business – Where Do I Begin?
Planning Your Website
Planning Overview
Social Media
Your Personal Brand
Choosing The Right Platforms
Social Media Marketing
Marketing
Setting Up Your Consultant Nutritionist Practice
Establishing A Functional Office
Conducting A Client Consultation
Money Matters & Financial Health
How Much Will I Charge?
How Do I Know If My Business Is A Success?
Closing Thoughts

 

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