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Matthew Layton
Professor Cason
Health 1020
09 December 2016
Foundations of Nutrition: Refection
The HLTH 1020 Foundations of Nutrition course provided an
exceptionally interesting learning experience. The concepts explored
throughout the course were easily related to real life applications and
experiences. It was exciting to learn how our choices concerning diet and
nutrition effect everyday life. The lessons learned throughout the course
have already had, and will continue to have, a strong influence on the
choices I make in the future.
I especially enjoyed seeing the connections between the course
material from other courses related to the Foundations of Nutrition course.
Most notably, it was intriguing to be enrolled in BIOL 1610 College Biology
and CHEM 1210 General Chemistry at the same time as HLTH 1020.
Studying cellular respiration in Biology (the chemical process by which
energy is generated in the cell) at the same time as macronutrients and
energy needs in Health.
Learning about the chemical/biological structure of fatty acids and
triglycerides in Biology also proved helpful in understanding the differences
between saturated and unsaturated fats. The study of coenzymes in Biology
built a foundation of knowledge that supported and expounded on the role
that many vitamins fulfill in cell function. Learning about free radicals in
Chemistry reinforced studying about the importance of antioxidants and their
relation to free radicals in the body.

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In addition to the connections between Foundations of Nutrition and

the other courses that I have taken at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), I
found some of the fundamentals of the class to be quite impactful. Several
times, I found myself doing additional research concerning the course
material because I found it interesting and applicable to my personal life. I
was especially fascinated by the nutritional needs concerning athletes,
nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and nutrition from infancy
through adolescence.
Although I am by no means a professional athlete, I enjoyed studying
the impact of physical activity on nutritional needs. Learning how energy
sources shift as the time spent participating in physically exerting exercises
increases was particularly interesting. I also made special note how the body
relies on different sources of energy for different activities (i.e. explosive
movements vs. muscular endurance).
As my wife and I prepare for pregnancy, I found myself sharing much of
what I learned from those chapters with my wife. When it came time to
complete a research paper and presentation, I enthusiastically explored the
many different aspects of nutrition in relation to pregnancy. The lessons
learned from that research and study will be actively applied in my home as
we prepare for pregnancy.
Along with the nutritional needs during pregnancy, it was captivating
to learn more about breastfeeding and nutrition from infancy through
adolescence. My wife and I have already discussed goals and plans
concerning the nutrition of our future children based on the concepts learned
in the Foundations of Nutrition course.

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I am confident that as I apply the lessons learned from Foundations of

nutrition in my life, the health of myself, my family, and my home will
continuously improve. I would highly recommend the course to all students.