Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: define the various classes of nutrients and discuss their importance to human health, with a focus on water in regards to fluid balance; identify the components of a healthy diet, including guidelines based on the USDA food “plate;” describe the factors that determine appetite and hunger and the mechanism by which the body digests its food; discuss the different forms of carbohydrates, including simple and complex and how carbohydrates are digested and absorbed into the blood stream; differentiate between the various forms of fats in our diets and their roles in human nutrition; describe the roles of the various types of amino acids that are essential to human nutrition and how they are best obtained through proper nutrition; identify the nutrients that function as electrolytes in the body and how they maintain proper body functioning; explain the causes of various nutritional disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and malnutrition and their long-term consequences and treatment options; delineate the various nutrients and foods necessary to promote bone health and discuss the disorders that affect bones; list the nutrients necessary for metabolism and blood health and discuss the roles and effectiveness of dietary supplements; determine a healthy weight for an individual and identify ways to avoid or treat obesity; evaluate the role of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle; and distinguish between the nutritional needs of people at various stages of life, including children, adults and the elderly.