The online Nutrition for Optimal Health, Wellness, and Sports program has been designed to meet the growing demand of allied health/medical professionals, Registered Dietitians, fitness professionals, personal trainers, and the general public who want to learn about developing individualized nutritional programs for clients, patients, or for personal improvement. Research of current issues include: energy and nutrient needs for performing activities of daily living with emphasis on particular physical activities; common myths and fallacies concerning diet and athletic performance; and appropriate behavioral change modifications and dietary approaches for different ages and populations. Content and curriculum in each course is designed to prepare allied health care professionals and Registered Dietitians to apply their client’s health history toward optimal nutritional health and wellbeing. Personal trainers and fitness professionals will learn fundamental nutrition education to work with clients in partnership with Registered Dietitians. Individual consumers interested in learning more about nutrition, daily meal planning, wellness strategies, and sport nutrition and performance will be introduced to information to help them achieve their own goals or for their family members. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has approved the Certificate in Nutrition program for 120 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs)/ or 30 (CPEUs) per course for both the Registered Dietitian (RDs) and Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTRs).

This certificate program includes:
● Examination of what to eat and how to decrease the incidence of many common diseases
● Learn the principles behind helping a client in any stage of their lifecycle to set and achieve weight goals while working in conjunction with a registered dietitian in a team approach.
● Learn what specific nutrients need to be increased in your diet as you age
● Dispel the myths of fad diets
● Understand the principles of healthy meal planning for athletes
● Identify safe sport supplements such as protein powders/bars, creatine, and sport drinks
● Learn to effectively interpret nutrition news and understand critical information on the truth behind vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
● On-going guidance, instruction, and interaction from instructors that hold either a Master’s, MBA, or Ph.D. degree in business administration, finance, exercise physiology, kinesiology, or an exercise science-related degree.

Course Objectives

By completing the Nutrition for Optimal Health, Wellness, and Sports program, students will:

● Understand functional food implementation
● Explore meal plan analysis
● Learn appropriate behavioral change modifications and dietary approaches for different ages and populations
● Understand vitamin supplementation and weight management
● Gain a foundation for wellness nutrition based on current scientific research
● Understand how to reinforce positive food habits and behaviors
● Learn how to personalize your own meal plan and/or those of your clients
● Identify common myths and fallacies concerning diet and athletic performance

I. Nutrition and You: Functional Foods
a. Define Functional Foods, choosing Functional Foods, and Functional Foods Protection
b. Understand how to Incorporate Spices into your Diet
c. Review the General Guidelines and Foods to include in your Meal Plan
d. Gain Knowledge of Diet Diversity and Free Radical Theory

II. Weight Management and Nutrition in the Lifecyle
a. Define Obesity, Incidence and Contributing Factors
b. Understand the Basic Principles of Obesity Treatment, Interventions and Contributing Factors
c. Review Fad Diets and Practical Strategies
d. Learn about the Obesity Epidemic and Weight Management Programs

III. Introduction to Sports Nutrition and Performance
a. Gain an Understanding of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports Related Fitness
b. Understand Nutrition for Performance and Energy Utilization
c. Learn about Protein, Ergogenic Aids, and Hydration in Sports Nutrition
d. Learn about Meals for Competitions

IV. Public Nutrition and Wellness Education
a. Understand Genomics and Evidence Based Medicine
b. Examine New, Yet Old Healthful Diets
c. Understand Vitamins Role, Functions, and Recommendations
d. Learn about what’s new in Wellness and Cancer Prevention