[Public Education Series] Fundamentals of Nutrition and Health
Public Education Series
Fundamentals of Nutrition and Health
Course Description
Fundamentals of Nutrition and Health is a 5-module introductory course designed to give you a clear, practical understanding of how food impacts your health. Taught by naturopathic doctors, the course explores the essential building blocks of nutrition—fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals—offering evidence-informed guidance to support your energy and well-being. You'll gain the tools to make confident food choices, read nutrition labels effectively, and understand the role of nutrients in everyday life.
Learning Objectives
- To identify the five key building blocks of nutrition: fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- To explain the fundamental roles of each macronutrient (fats, proteins, carbohydrates) in energy production and overall health.
- To describe the basic functions of essential vitamins and minerals in maintaining bodily processes.
- To understand the importance of vitamins and minerals for maintaining health.
- To understand how different food choices impact energy levels, health, and overall well-being.
- To recognize the evidence-informed insights provided by naturopathic doctors regarding nutrition.
- To apply foundational nutrition knowledge to daily life and personal wellness.
Modules:
- Module 1. Fats: 6-7pm EST, Wed October 1st 2025
- Module 2. Proteins: 6-7pm EST, Wed October 8th 2025
- Module 3. Carbohydrates: 6-7pm EST, Wed October 15th 2025
- Module 4. Vitamins: 6-7pm EST, Wed October 22nd 2025
- Module 5. Minerals: 6-7pm EST, Wed October 29th 2025
Prerequisites:
Whether you're just starting your wellness journey or looking to deepen your understanding of food and health, this course provides the foundational knowledge you need. You must be 18 years of age in order to participate.
Fee:
- Regular: $249
- Early-Bird: $197 until Sep 24, 2025 (coupon code: Nutrition2025)
Format
- Five 1-hour live webinars
- Recordings provided
- 1 pager summary for each module included
Course Details
MODULE 1
Nothing but the Fats: A discussion around the structure, function and importance of fats (including cholesterol) in maintaining our health and wellbeing.
A discussion about the function, structure and importance of fats in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including their sources, digestion and food preparation.
- Date: 6-7pm EST, October 1, 2025
- Instructor: Dr. Colin Huska ND
- Dr. Colin Huska, ND is a licensed naturopathic doctor and founder of Sage Elements Naturopathic Clinic in Halifax, NS. With a Bachelor of Science from Thompson Rivers University and a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (including two years of residency at the RSNC), he has 20 years of experience supporting patients with digestive health, hormonal concerns, stress management, and more. A passionate educator, Dr. Huska has taught at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition for over a decade and frequently lectures on nutrition and wellness in the community.
- Learning Objectives
- To recognize the roles and biological importance of healthy fats in the body
- To describe the structure and function of fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol
- To explain the process of fat digestion
- To apply practical knowledge of fats in everyday life, including cooking, storage, and daily requirements
- To differentiate between healthy and unhealthy fats
MODULE 2
The Truth About Protein: Portions, Myths, and Must-Knows
This module will serve as an introduction to understanding protein requirements across the lifespan. We will discuss dietary sources of protein, daily requirements, serving sizes and common myths when it comes to this macronutrient.
- Date: 6-7pm EST, October 8, 2025
- Instructor: Dr. Laura von Hagen ND
- Dr. Laura von Hagen, MSc, ND has a strong clinical focus in hormones and women's health. She is passionate about providing excellent, evidence-based care for her patients. She currently practices at Higher Health Centre and Pollin Fertility in Toronto. Before becoming a Naturopathic Doctor, she completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Queen’s University, followed by a Master’s of Science in Clinical Anatomy at Western University. Outside of the clinic
- Learning Objectives
- To educate the general public on protein as a macronutrient
- To discuss optimal protein intake based on age, health status and activity level
- To review animal and plant-based sources of protein
- To identify healthy sources of protein in the diet and common portion sizes
- To dispel common protein myths
MODULE 3
A Practical Guide to Carbs and How They Support Your Health
This module will explore the essential role of carbohydrates in human health. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the different types of carbohydrates, how they function in the body, and their relevance to energy, metabolism, and long-term wellness. Common myths around carbs will be addressed using an evidence-informed perspective. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for making informed, balanced food choices that reflect both health goals and naturopathic principles.- Date: 6-7pm EST, October 15, 2025
- Instructor: Dr. Filza Swalah ND
- Dr. Filza Swalah, ND is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a background in nutrition and a passion for helping people understand the connection between food and health. With a degree in Nutrition & Food and years of experience teaching webinars, workshops, and community events, she focuses on making nutrition clear, practical, and relevant to everyday life. Whether she’s working with patients or leading public sessions, Dr. Swalah’s goal is to help individuals feel more confident in their food choices and better understand how nutrition supports energy, balance, and long-term wellness.
- Learning Objectives
- To identify the main types of carbohydrates and their common food sources
- To explain how carbohydrates contribute to energy production and metabolic function
- To describe the impact of carbohydrate quality and glycemic response on health
- To recognize and clarify common myths and misconceptions about carbohydrates
- To apply evidence-informed strategies for balanced carbohydrate intake in everyday eating
- To participate in a guided food recall exercise focused on carbohydrate intake and healthier choices
MODULE 4
The ABCs of Vitamins: What Your Body Needs to Thrive
A one-hour module exploring the essential vitamins your body needs to feel and function at its best. You'll learn what each vitamin does (from Vitamin A to all the Bs, C, D, E and K), how to spot signs of deficiency, where to find them in food, and when supplementation may be helpful. Perfect for those interested in deepening their understanding of how vitamins support health - no prior science background required!
- Date: 6-7pm EST, October 22, 2025
- Instructor: Dr. Lara Spector ND
- Dr. Lara Spector is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with over a decade of clinical experience and a strong foundation in evidence-based integrative healthcare. Her clinical focus includes women’s health, digestive health and mental-emotional wellness, using a whole-person, root-cause approach to care. It is important to her that her patients feel heard and understood, and this informs every aspect of their care. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in 2014 and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science with a Specialist in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto. She also has pursued advanced training in Intravenous Therapy and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (including thyroid health). Since 2017, she has worked at the Institute of Hormonal Health alongside Dr. Kristy Prouse, OBGYN, as part of a leading integrative team specializing in hormonal health, treating mostly perimenopause and menopause. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Spector has taught preventative nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in Toronto. Dr. Spector is in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO).
- Learning Objectives
- To understand the key vitamins (A, Bs, C, D, E, K), and their fundamental roles in maintaining health
- To identify the primary food sources of these vitamins
- To recognize common signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiencies and excesses
- To address when and why supplementation of certain vitamins may be indicated
- To apply practical strategies for incorporating vitamins through our diet and supplements
MODULE 5
Mineral Masterclass: Tiny Nutrients, Big Impact
This module explores the essential vitamins your body needs to feel and function at its best. You'll learn what each vitamin does (from Vitamin A to all the Bs, C, D, E and K), how to spot signs of deficiency, where to find them in food, and when supplementation may be helpful. Perfect for those interested in deepening their understanding of how vitamins support health - no prior science background required!
- Date: 6-7pm EST, October 29, 2025
- Instructor: Dr. Carly King ND
- Dr. Carly King is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Hamilton, Ontario and virtually across the province. Her clinical focus is on fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and pediatric care. Dr. Carly is an international speaker and clinician educator. She is also an associate faculty member of McMaster University Health Sciences, where she teaches nutrition research.
- Learning Objectives
- To identify key minerals essential for daily health and wellness
- To recognize common signs and symptoms of mineral deficiencies
- To understand how diet, stress, and lifestyle impact mineral balance
- To compare food sources and supplements for optimal mineral intake
- To apply practical strategies to support mineral levels naturally
Ready to take charge of your health—one bite at a time?
Join us this October and discover how small, informed changes to your plate can make a lasting impact on your energy, focus, and well-being. Reserve your spot today and start building the knowledge you’ll use for a lifetime.