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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.