Building a Healthy Plate

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Building a Healthy Plate

Instructor: Julia Hilbrands

10,361 already enrolled

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

195 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

195 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Identify components of healthful dietary patterns.
Recognize healthy options within each food group.
Select foods that belong on a balanced plate.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Assessments

7 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

In a world of conflicting nutrition messages, how do we know which foods are good for us? What are the components of a healthy dietary pattern and why does it matter?

Throughout this mini course, we explore the relationship between diet and health by examining the eating patterns that have been shown to prevent chronic diet-related conditions. We touch on the nutritional components of the foods and beverages common in healthy eating patterns and explore strategies that can help you make the shift to better food choices. By the end of this course, you should feel more confident identifying and building a healthy plate. This course is offered by the Gerald D. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

Welcome to your first week in the serving a healthy diet course! We'll start out by exploring different dietary patterns, then discuss plant-based diets and vegetarianism.

What's included

7 videos5 readings2 assignments

7 videosTotal 41 minutes

Welcome to the Course!3 minutes
Welcome to Week 1!2 minutes
What is a Dietary Pattern?8 minutes
The Standard American Diet6 minutes
The Mediterranean Diet Pattern9 minutes
Plant-Based Diets & Vegetarianism11 minutes
Week 1 Summary2 minutes

5 readingsTotal 82 minutes

Course Team10 minutes
More About Nutrition Certificates at Tufts University2 minutes
More Resources on Dietary Patterns30 minutes
More Resources on Plant-Based Diets30 minutes
All Week 1 Resources10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Dietary Patterns30 minutes
Plant Based Diets30 minutes

This week, we'll explore the health properties and benefits of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fiber.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments

6 videosTotal 46 minutes

Welcome to Week 2!1 minute
Fruits12 minutes
Vegetables14 minutes
Fiber6 minutes
Whole Grains10 minutes
Week 2 Summary2 minutes

3 readingsTotal 70 minutes

More Resources on Fruits and Vegetables30 minutes
More Resources on Whole Grains and Fiber30 minutes
All Week 2 Resources10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Fruits & Vegetables30 minutes
Whole Grains & Fiber30 minutes

This week, we will explore plant and animal based protein products, as well as dairy.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments

6 videosTotal 53 minutes

Welcome to Week 3!2 minutes
Meat, Poultry, Fish, & Eggs10 minutes
Beans, Legumes, Nuts, & Seeds13 minutes
Dairy14 minutes
Dairy Alternatives11 minutes
Week 3 Summary3 minutes

3 readingsTotal 70 minutes

More Resources on Protein Sources30 minutes
More Resources on Dairy30 minutes
All Week 3 Resources10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Protein Sources30 minutes
Dairy30 minutes

This week, we will apply what we've learned in the rest of the course by constructing a healthy meal that meets the nutritional needs of you, a loved one, or someone you can imagine.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(71 ratings)

Julia Hilbrands

Tufts University

1 Course10,361 learners

Offered by

Tufts University

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Showing 3 of 195

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2024

This course explain clearly about may kinds of food and nutrition, how to built a healthy dinner.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

It is interesting. There are beautiful images to demonstrate. I find that having the charts and tables to show the comparisons are helpful to understand.

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2025

Very informative, clear presentation, easy to follow instructions, and plenty of options without making anyone feel guilty or shamed.

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Frequently asked questions

No, the Building a Healthy Plate course does not offer a certificate on Coursera.

You can find more information about nutrition research and news at the Friedman school website, as well as information about academic programs.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.