Introduction to Nutrition

fruits and vegetables in baskets

Image courtesy of NatalieMaynor under a Creative Commons license: BY.

Term:
2013
Published:
April 19, 2013
Revised:
June 9, 2015

This module was developed to help clinicians understand the core foundations of a healthy, well-balanced diet.  While we consider individual nutritional components, or macronutrients (i.e. fats, carbohydrates, proteins, etc.) for teaching purposes, please remember that this approach is cumbersome and frustrating for patients to put into practice since foods do not consist of a single nutrient.  When deciding which foods to eat, we must consider the whole food package, which may contain multiple macronutrients as well as other vital nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.  The information presented in this module generally applies to healthy patients; those with chronic conditions such as coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus or inflammatory bowel disease may need customized recommendations.

View Nutrition Module

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the role each nutritional component (protein, carbohydrates, fats, fruits and vegetables) plays in a well-balanced diet.
  • Identify sources and optimal daily amounts of each nutritional component.
  • Identify different types of fats and understand the benefits or adverse effects of each.
  • Understand the function of glycemic index and glycemic load.
  • Understand the role of soluble and insoluble fiber in a healthy diet and identify sources of each.
  • Understand different meal plan models to help patients practice healthy nutrition.
  • Identify resources to help implement nutrition counseling into clinic practice.

About the Creators

portrait of amy locke

Amy Locke

Amy Locke is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. She currently serves as the Director of Integrative Medicine for the Department of Family Medicine, coordinates the Integrative Medicine curriculums for the U-M Medical School and Family Medicine residency, as well as directs the Integrative Medicine Fellowship offered by the Department of Family Medicine.

fruits and vegetables in baskets

Image courtesy of NatalieMaynor under a Creative Commons license: BY.

Term:
2013
Published:
April 19, 2013
Revised:
June 9, 2015

Texts

Document Title Creator Downloads License

Acknowledgements

Amy Locke

Carbohydrates

Amy Locke

Fats

Amy Locke

Fruits and Vegetables

Amy Locke

Introduction

Amy Locke

Meal Planning Guides

Amy Locke

Protein

Amy Locke

References

Amy Locke

Useful Resources

Amy Locke