Around the world, we find ourselves facing global epidemics of obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and other predominantly diet-related diseases. To address these public health crises, we urgently need to explore innovative strategies for promoting healthful eating. There is strong evidence that global increases in the consumption of heavily processed foods, coupled with cultural shifts away from the preparation of food in the home, have contributed to high rates of preventable, chronic disease. In this course, learners will be given the information and practical skills they need to begin optimizing the way they eat. This course will shift the focus away from reductionist discussions about nutrients and move, instead, towards practical discussions about real food and the environment in which we consume it. By the end of this course, learners should have the tools they need to distinguish between foods that will support their health and those that threaten it. In addition, we will present a compelling rationale for a return to simple home cooking, an integral part of our efforts to live longer, healthier lives.
View the trailer for the course here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7x1aaZ03xU
In this section, we will examine the social and cultural shifts that have contributed to our modern epidemics of overweight and obesity. We will briefly review the nutrients found in foods, their different functions in the human body, and how we can support our own health by choosing wisely from the foods within each category. Additionally, we will explore the ways in which highly processed foods differ from real, whole food and the implications of food processing on our health. We’ll look at how our consumption of sugar has changed in recent decades and explore sensible solutions for those wishing to start eating better. We will also meet Kevin, a middle-aged pre-diabetic man, and find out how a step-wise approach to behavior change helped him improve his health.
What's included
11 videos2 assignments
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11 videos•Total 48 minutes
Introduction•2 minutes
A Sociocultural History of Obesity•4 minutes
Macronutrient Structure & Metabolism•5 minutes
Carbohydrate-rich Foods & the Glycemic Index•4 minutes
Animal & Plant-based Proteins•4 minutes
Dietary Fats & Their Effects on Human Health•5 minutes
Why Are Highly Processed Foods Generally Less Healthy?•5 minutes
Trends in Sugar Consumption & Recommendations•5 minutes
The Case for Cooking•7 minutes
A Case Study: Middle-aged Pre-diabetic Man•7 minutes
A Step-wise Approach to Behavior Change•3 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
Section 1 Quiz•30 minutes
Section 2 Quiz•30 minutes
Future Directions in Health - Part I
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
This section focuses on sustainable solutions to the challenge of choosing healthier foods more frequently. Michael Pollan explains his mantra and how we can use it to make better food choices. We also begin to explore practical tips for preparing foods that will support our health and enjoyment.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 13 minutes
Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.•4 minutes
Cooking: Fundamental Ingredients•4 minutes
Cooking: Increasing Vegetable Intake•3 minutes
Cooking: Sensible Substitutions•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Section 3 Quiz•30 minutes
Future Directions in Health - Part 2
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this section you will find more practical tips for grocery shopping, reading labels and assembling a balanced meal. We also learn more about the most important secret ingredient for success: moderation.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 15 minutes
Constructing a Healthy Plate•3 minutes
Shopping in a Supermarket•3 minutes
Reading Nutrition Labels•5 minutes
The Importance of Moderation in Maintaining a Healthy Diet•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Section 4 Quiz•30 minutes
Cooking Workshop
Module 4•3 hours to complete
Module details
A few years ago, a friend of mine started a healthy eating and fitness website called Grokker. She asked me to make some instructional cooking videos and generously agreed to share some of them with you. Thanks, Lorna! (If you like this section, you can find many more great videos on cooking and fitness at Grokker.com)
What's included
10 videos10 readings
Show info about module content
10 videos•Total 71 minutes
How to Make Gluten Free Crêpes•11 minutes
How to Make Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken•7 minutes
How to Make Asparagus Torta•9 minutes
How to Make Idlis - Indian Rice Cakes•8 minutes
How to Make Pad Thai•9 minutes
How to Make Lasagna•9 minutes
How to Make Ricotta Cake•6 minutes
How to Make Pancakes in a Blender•5 minutes
How to Make a Sweet Pea Salad•4 minutes
How to Make Egg Sandwiches•5 minutes
10 readings•Total 100 minutes
Recipe for Gluten Free Crêpes•10 minutes
Recipe for Lemon Herb Chicken•10 minutes
Recipe for Asparagus Torta•10 minutes
Recipe for Indian Rice Cakes•10 minutes
Recipe for Pad Thai•10 minutes
Recipe for Lasagna•10 minutes
Recipe for Ricotta Cake•10 minutes
Recipe for Easy Blender Pancakes•10 minutes
Recipe for Sweet Pea Salad•10 minutes
Recipe for Egg Sandwiches•10 minutes
Recommended Optional Resources
Module 5•1 hour to complete
Module details
Here is a list of recommended books and videos that can help deepen your understanding of the course material. Feel free to explore the recommendations on this list to learn more about food, health, eating behaviors, and more.
What's included
3 readings
Show info about module content
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
List of Recommended Readings•10 minutes
List of Recommended Documentaries•10 minutes
List of Recommended Websites•10 minutes
Instructor
Instructor ratings
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is an American private research university located in Stanford, California on an 8,180-acre (3,310 ha) campus near Palo Alto, California, United States.
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5·
Reviewed on Jun 21, 2021
The course outline were very informative and direct. I am now very aware on my daily eating habits and what to look out for when selecting a dish that will serve to be healthy in mind, soul and body.
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NK
5·
Reviewed on Feb 24, 2019
It was very informative course. It could have more quizzes and assignments. The way things were explained in the course was quiet interesting. Keep it up!! course. I really like this way of education.
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CN
5·
Reviewed on May 13, 2021
Really good as an introductory guide to general human nutrition. Gives great insights on cooking, planning meals and health diet habits. It's a rather short course with actually impactful information.
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