[Public Education Series] Fundamentals of Nutrition and Health 2026
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. Proteins: 6-7pm EST, Wed Apr 15th 2026
- Module 2. Carbohydrates: 6-7pm EST, Wed Apr 22nd 2026
- Module 3. Fats: 6-7pm EST, Wed Apr 29th 2026
- Module 4. Minerals: 6-7pm EST, Wed May 6th 2026
- Module 5. Vitamins: 6-7pm EST, Wed May 13th 2026
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.
Regular Fee: $197
Early Bird Pricing: $149 until March 25th, 2026 (coupon code: Nutrition2026)
Format
- Five 1-hour live webinars
- Recordings provided
- 1 pager summary for each module included
Course Details
MODULE 1
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, Wed Apr 15th 2026
- 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 2
Carbohydrates Made Simple: From Blood Sugar to Balanced Meals
This course breaks down the science of carbohydrates, including the differences between simple and complex carbohydrates and their roles in energy production, exercise performance, and metabolic health. Learners will explore basic blood glucose regulation and insulin action, examine carbohydrate intake recommendations across the lifespan, and evaluate carbohydrates within popular dietary patterns. The course emphasizes practical application by identifying health-promoting carbohydrate food sources and using this knowledge to build balanced meals that support overall health.
- Date: 6-7pm EST, Wed Apr 22nd 2026
- Instructor: Dr. Jill Northrup ND
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Dr. Jill Northrup, ND is a Toronto-based Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and preventive health. In her clinical practice, Dr. Jill uses evidence-based naturopathic interventions to support women’s health, digestive health, and mental well-being, emphasizing patient education and individualized, whole-person care. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Jill is a dedicated health educator, speaker, and writer who focuses on translating nutrition and lifestyle science into practical, accessible strategies for everyday health.
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- Learning Objectives
- To explain the role of carbohydrates in exercise performance, daily function, and metabolic health.
- To outline the basic physiology of blood glucose regulation and insulin action.
- To identify general carbohydrate intake guidelines and describe how recommendations change across the lifespan.
- To explain how carbohydrates relate to common health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- To compare carbohydrates within popular dietary patterns, including low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, and paleo diets.
- To identify food sources of health-promoting carbohydrates and apply this knowledge to build balanced meals.
MODULE 3
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, Wed Apr 29th 2026
- 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 4
Mineral Masterclass: Tiny Nutrients, Big Impact
Minerals may be small in size, but their impact on our health is mighty. In this 1-hour engaging and accessible session, Dr. Carly King, ND will guide you through the essential roles minerals play in energy, mood, immunity, sleep, bone health, and more. From magnesium to zinc, you’ll learn how to spot signs of deficiency, support better absorption and make smart choices with food and supplementation.
Whether you're curious about why you’re always tired, experiencing muscle cramps, or just want to optimize your wellness naturally—this mineral masterclass will give you the tools and knowledge to nourish your body from the ground up.
- Date: 6-7pm EST, May 6th 2026
- 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
MODULE 5
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, May 13th 2026
- 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
Ready to take charge of your health—one bite at a time?
Join us this April 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.