By the end of this course, you will understand how food functions as fuel, how metabolism and energy balance influence body composition, and how macronutrients, micronutrients, and hydration impact performance and health. You’ll also explore the psychology behind food choices and long-term habit formation .

The Building Blocks of Nutrition for Fitness
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Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Explain how macronutrients and micronutrients fuel the body and influence energy balance and metabolism.
Analyze diet trends using evidence-based nutrition principles. Understand how psychology and habits shape long-term eating behaviors.
Start applying nutrition knowledge to aspects of fitness coaching
Details to know

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March 2026
5 assignments
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There are 6 modules in this course
What's included
1 reading
In this module, you’ll examine carbohydrates and their essential role in energy, metabolism, and brain function. You’ll learn how carbohydrates are digested, how blood sugar is regulated, and how different types—simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, and fiber—affect the body. This module also explores food sources and dietary guidelines, helping you understand how thoughtful carbohydrate choices support steady energy, digestion, and overall health.
What's included
1 video9 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, you’ll explore protein as a key building block of the human body. You’ll learn how proteins are made from amino acids, how they support growth, repair, and immune function, and how the body digests and uses protein. This module also examines protein quality, food sources, and intake guidelines, helping you understand how balanced protein consumption supports strength, recovery, and long-term health.
What's included
1 video7 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, you’ll explore fats as an essential macronutrient and their role in supporting energy, cell function, and overall health. You’ll learn how different types of fats are structured, how they are digested and absorbed, and how saturated, unsaturated, and essential fatty acids affect cholesterol and inflammation. This module also examines dietary guidelines and food sources, helping you make informed choices about fat intake as part of a balanced eating pattern.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned to create a practical, sustainable approach to nutrition. You’ll explore how to pay attention to eating patterns without perfection, use simple tools to build awareness, and make food choices that fit your lifestyle, health history, and personal preferences. This module emphasizes balance, flexibility, and enjoyment, showing how nutrition can support energy, health, and quality of life over the long term—without rigid rules or unnecessary stress.
What's included
7 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
The Building Blocks of Nutrition - Final Exam
What's included
1 assignment
Instructor
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Frequently asked questions
This course on Nutrition Coaching is designed for beginners, aspiring coaches, trainers, and health professionals who are eager to learn about nutrition and health and strategies to optimize nutrition and master health for themselves or others.
As the fitness industry evolves, nutrition knowledge has become essential. This course provides a timely foundation for aspiring fitness professionals to enter the industry with skills employers and clients increasingly expect.
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
More questions
Financial aid available,

