HE 204 Nutrition and Fitness

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Examines basic concepts of nutrition and physical fitness. Emphasizes the application of behaviors and practices that contribute to individuals’ health and wellness. Topics include, but are not limited to, essential nutrients, digestion, dietary guidelines, energy balance, exercise, weight management, and the role of nutrition in health and disease.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Examine historical and empirical views by which nutrition and fitness are associated with health outcomes.
Describe the essential nutrients, their function, and dietary sources, including recommendations, allowances, and considerations throughout the human life cycle.
Discuss the body processes involved with the use of food and nutrients, including digestion, absorption, transport, and metabolism.
Examine food choices and eating behaviors as influences on the application of healthy meal plans.
Describe methods for assessing nutritional patterns and fitness behaviors.
Evaluate models and methods for proper nutrition, including nutritional information available, food labels, supplements, and diet plans.
Describe the effect that cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and lifestyle approaches of physical activity have on individuals’ health and fitness.
Analyze how the behavior change model can be used in a long-term plan for improving dietary choices and fitness level.
Examine how nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices influence the development, prevention, and management of chronic illnesses and other health concerns.

Content Outline

Nutrition Basics
- Nurition and exercise for health
- Dietary guidelines and recommendations
- Eating patterns and food choices
- Digestion
Nutrients and Their Function
- Macronutrients
  - Carbohydrates
  - Fats
  - Proteins
- Micronutrients
  - Vitamins
  - Minerals
- Water
- Alcohol
- Considerations throughout human life cycle
Energy Balance
- Metabolism
- Energy balance and body composition
- Behavior change models
- Strategies for nutritional habits and effective weight management
- Food and health
  - Prevention and management of health conditions and concerns
  - Eating disorders
Fitness Considerations
- Physical activity and exercise
  - Cardiorespiratory endurance
  - Muscle fitness
  - Flexibility
  - Leisure and recreational activities
- Strategies for lifetime fitness and effective weight management