If you have been involved with sports or other vigorous activities for any period of time, chances are that you have taken part in a Nutrition Class. These classes are usually held in local gyms or recreation centers, and they introduce participants to the various nutrients that are important for maintaining health. Some are taught by certified instructors, but many are taught by individuals who are passionate about nutrition and want to share their knowledge with others. There is usually a lot of written information given at these classes, but a Nutrition Class can also include videos and pictures that show specific exercises or demonstrate how certain foods affect the body.

Typical Nutrition ClassesA typical nutrition class will usually be taught by a registered dietitian, who brings his / her extensive knowledge about diet and nutrition to the class to teach students the basics. Other professionals at these facilities may include physical trainers or coaches, and there may also be some type of yoga or Pilates training as well. Common subjects covered in these classes include prenatal nutrition, weight management, and learning how different food sources affect the body. Online nutrition courses are also available for those who prefer not to take a traditional nutrition class.

How To Get Certified In NutritionWhen you take an online nutrition class, it is best if you get your nutrition certification right away. Nutrition courses offered by online facilities generally focus on knowledge that can be learned from doing actual classes, without having to spend the time going to class each day. A nutrition class offered by an online facility usually consists of a DVD or video with detailed instructions, which the student can follow at home. Those who take these courses typically learn a variety of information, including proper nutrition guidelines for daily eating, how different foods affect the body and the importance of daily exercise.

Why You Should Consider Nutrition ClassesTo understands why you should consider taking an online nutrition class, it’s important to understand what is often overlooked when discussing the topic of healthy eating. Many people go about eating the wrong way, relying on fast food and processed foods to fill their bodies only. They fail to realize that a balanced and complete diet is the key to keeping the body in shape. If students bring home a certificate from their university that they have successfully completed an online nutrition class, it helps them better understand the importance of eating real food in its natural state, as opposed to eating food based on packaged foods. The certificate also encourages them to explore the subject further and to think about changing their eating habits.

Certified Nutritional ProgramsA growing number of universities are now offering registered dietitians and/or athletic training and education programs. These programs often focus on the combination of physical activity and nutritional education for an individual’s overall health. Some of these programs are becoming quite popular among working adults who want to improve the quality of their diets and lifestyles. Athletic training and education classes usually last about two weeks, and many of these classes center around specific sports nutrition, such as a functional foods class for swimmers or basketball players, or a prenatal nutrition class for expecting mothers.

Courses AvailableOnline Courses for nutrition certification varies greatly, with some being offered by universities, colleges or professional institutions and others being offered online. Before committing to any course, however, it is important to check to see if the course has been accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-regional Affairs. This organization focuses on issues surrounding the global health and nutrition landscape and on promoting unity in effective and ethical nutrition practices. All accredited courses should adhere to international standards for food composition and manufacturing, as well as safe dietary supplementation and food safety. The organization also works to educate the public and policy makers about the importance and benefits of sustainable diets.

Registered DietitianCertified dietitians who obtain formal education in nutrition study at colleges or universities are generally expected to have taken at least 500 hours of instruction in related research, practice and teaching over the past five years. Those who obtain a degree from a university or other accredited school may also be eligible for the designation of a registered dietitian. However, to qualify for this position, the applicant must have completed at least 500 hours of study and the corresponding study degree. While becoming certified as a registered dietitian requires some specific training, most certified examiners are trained through correspondence or on the job experience. Many universities that sponsor professional dietitian certification programs do not require future students to be formally trained in nutrition and various functional foods.

Junk Food Certification Anyone can become a registered dietitian just by completing an approved online course but becoming a certified junk food expert requires more than just an education. Candidates who are looking to climb the ranks of management at a nutrition firm need to demonstrate a thorough understanding of nutrition facts, good communication skills and the ability to lead. It is recommended that candidates wishing to become dietitians first acquire a solid foundation of nutrition information and become familiar with food science principles. By gaining knowledge of various types of food and combining it with scientific principles, they can provide quality guidance to dietitians and other healthcare professionals. Nutrition experts may also conduct periodic quality audits to ensure that the organization’s resources are still up to date. Once someone has graduated from a formal course of study, the person may choose to take a test that qualifies them for a certificate that demonstrates their knowledge of food nutrition.