Stanford Introduction to Food and Health

About this course: 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

Created by:  Stanford University

• Taught by:  Maya Adam, MD, Lecturer

  Stanford School of Medicine

Level Beginner Commitment 5 weeks of study, 1 hour/week Language English, Subtitles: Russian, Czech Hardware Req No special hardware required. How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.6 stars Average User Rating 4.6See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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Stanford University 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.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Background on Food & Nutrients



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.


6 videos expand

1. Video: Introduction
2. Video: A Sociocultural History of Obesity
3. Video: Macronutrient Structure & Metabolism
4. Video: Carbohydrate-rich Foods & the Glycemic Index
5. Video: Animal & Plant-based Proteins
6. Video: Dietary Fats & Their Effects on Human Health

Graded: Section 1 Quiz

WEEK 2


Contemporary Trends in Eating



In this section, 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 also look at how our consumption of sugar has changed in recent decades and explore sensible solutions for people who wish 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 change for the better.


5 videos expand

1. Video: Why Are Highly Processed Foods Generally Less Healthy?
2. Video: Trends in Sugar Consumption & Recommendations
3. Video: The Case for Cooking
4. Video: A Case Study: Middle-aged Pre-diabetic Man
5. Video: A Step-wise Approach to Behavior Change

Graded: Section 2 Quiz

WEEK 3


Future Directions in Health - Part I



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.


4 videos expand

1. Video: Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.
2. Video: Cooking: Fundamental Ingredients
3. Video: Cooking: Increasing Vegetable Intake
4. Video: Cooking: Sensible Substitutions

Graded: Section 3 Quiz

WEEK 4


Future Directions in Health - Part 2
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.


4 videos expand

1. Video: Constructing a Healthy Plate
2. Video: Shopping in a Supermarket
3. Video: Reading Nutrition Labels
4. Video: The Importance of Moderation in Maintaining a Healthy Diet

Graded: Section 4 Quiz

WEEK 5


Cooking Workshop



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)


10 videos, 10 readings expand

1. Video: How to Make Gluten Free Crêpes
2. Reading: Recipe for Gluten Free Crêpes
3. Video: How to Make Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
4. Reading: Recipe for Lemon Herb Chicken
5. Video: How to Make Asparagus Torta
6. Reading: Recipe for Asparagus Torta
7. Video: How to Make Idlis - Indian Rice Cakes
8. Reading: Recipe for Indian Rice Cakes
9. Video: How to Make Pad Thai
10. Reading: Recipe for Pad Thai
11. Video: How to Make Lasagna
12. Reading: Recipe for Lasagna
13. Video: How to Make Ricotta Cake
14. Reading: Recipe for Ricotta Cake
15. Video: How to Make Pancakes in a Blender
16. Reading: Recipe for Easy Blender Pancakes
17. Video: How to Make a Sweet Pea Salad
18. Reading: Recipe for Sweet Pea Salad
19. Video: How to Make Egg Sandwiches
20. Reading: Recipe for Egg Sandwiches

Recommended Optional Resources
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.


3 readings expand

1. Reading: List of Recommended Readings
2. Reading: List of Recommended Documentaries
3. Reading: List of Recommended Websites