Nutrition Communication and Behavior Change

This culminating unit teaches students to translate clinical nutrition knowledge into practical strategies for changing health behaviors, communicating evidence-based information, and recognizing disordered eating. Students evaluate popular nutrition claims, apply behavior-change techniques, and locate culturally appropriate international and community resources to support clients in clinical and public settings.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze scientific evidence behind commonly promoted ‘superfoods’ and justify their appropriate inclusion or exclusion in clinical nutrition care plans
• Apply behavior-change theories and motivational interviewing techniques to design individualized, culturally sensitive plans for modifying patient health behaviors
• Demonstrate clear, audience-appropriate communication of nutrition information using health literacy principles and strategies for diverse clinical and community populations
• Evaluate screening, referral, and support resources for eating disorders and compile a vetted list of international and local nutrition resources for client referral