Understanding Nutrition

Understanding Nutrition Module 1
Basic Nutrition

Module one defines nutrition and its effects on your body.  It also discusses how to read a nutrition study and how to judge the value of nutrition information that you read and see on TV.  Moving through module one, we will examine the basic processes of the digestive system and how it works to transform food and beverages into the nutrients you need to sustain a healthy body.  Also included in module one is a look at how calories are used for energy and the role of calories as it relates to the ever-growing American body. Finally, module one will examine the rules on dietary supplements and review how much of each nutrient you need to stay in tip top form.

• Nutrition Equals Life
• Digestion: The 24/7 Food Factory
• How Much Nutrition Do You Need?
• Bigger But Not Better
• Calories: The Energizers

Understanding Nutrition Module 2
Food and Essentials

This week, we will explore where protein, carbohydrates, and fat come from and what each do as they process through the body. Also included in module two is the current proven risks and benefits of alcoholic beverages.  Moving on through the week, we will examine vitamins and minerals and how vital they are (in right amounts) for your body.  Module two concludes with a look at the essential liquids your body needs and how to maintain your fluid balance.

• Facing Facts on Fat and Cholesterol
• Carbohydrates: A Complex Story
• Alcohol: Another Form of Grape and Grain
• Water Works
• Building Your Healthful Diet
• Choose Wisely: Pyramids, Plates, and Labels

Understanding Nutrition Module 3
Food Processing & Food and Medicine

In module three, we will answer "What is Food Processing?" Also included in module three is a careful look at how cooking affects the way food looks and tastes, as well as its nutritional value.  Freezing, canning, drying, and irradiating techniques changes the nutritional value of food. Module three will discuss how to keep food fresh, safe, and appetizing.  Also included in this module is a lesson of strategies for identifying and avoiding the food to which you may be allergic.  Nutrition plays a vital role in your brain at every stage of life.  Module three will examine how some foods may act as preventative medicine or relieve the symptoms of certain illnesses.

• What is Food Processing
• What Happens When Food is Frozen, Canned, Dried, or Zapped
• Better Eating through Chemistry
• Brain Food
• Food and Drug Interactions

Understanding Nutrition Module 4
The Part of Tens

Module four provides ten great nutritional websites addresses, ten common foods with near-magical status and ten healthful foods beginning with the letter "P." Finally, module four wraps the course up with ten easy ways to cut calories from foods. 

• Ten Reliable Nutrition Websites
• Ten Nutrition Rules
• Ten Superstar Foods
• Ten Ways Coffee Makes Life Better
• Ten Terrific Foods Starting with the Letter P

**Outlines are subject to change, as courses and materials are updated.**