Courses

Good nutrition sounds simple: eat a variety of wholesome foods and drink some water. But in our modern environment, we are surrounded by food options very different from those on a traditional farm. Low-calorie sweeteners, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a multitude of additives vie for our attention, all claiming to be the key to improved health. Diets make the same claim, often appearing to have not only different but completely opposite perspectives from each other.

Deprivation diets (such as keto and intermittent fasting) have recently gained interest, raising the question not simply of what to eat, but also to what extent we might benefit from sometimes not eating at all. Ozempic and other drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity have gained popularity, but many come with muscle loss and, therefore, a loss of metabolism, challenging us to consider what minimal nutrition we need, whether we are hungry or not. This course deconstructs our cellular needs to help guide us in putting together simple meals and snacks that help us achieve our personal goals related to longevity, health, fitness, and healthy weight loss and gain. Each homework assignment will challenge students to apply the concepts from class to their own personal lives, schedules, and food preferences. Nutrition for longevity, health, fitness, and healthy weight loss and gain will be contrasted throughout the course.