Nutrition Session Plan

Running head: NUTRITION SESSION PLAN
NUTRITION SESSION PLAN
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1NUTRITION SESSION PLAN
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
Importance of Healthy Eating..........................................................................................2
Eating Behavior, Health and Wellbeing..........................................................................2
Session Plan.........................................................................................................................3
Key Influences.................................................................................................................3
Academic and Peer Pressure........................................................................................3
Convenience and Palatability......................................................................................4
Lack of Awareness......................................................................................................4
Socioeconomic Position...............................................................................................4
Behavior Change Theory.................................................................................................5
Learning Principles..........................................................................................................6
Goals and Objectives.......................................................................................................7
Elements and Strategies...................................................................................................7
Key Resources.................................................................................................................8
Evaluation............................................................................................................................8
Types and Methods..........................................................................................................8
Outcomes.........................................................................................................................9
Analysis and Conclusion.....................................................................................................9
References..........................................................................................................................10

2NUTRITION SESSION PLAN
Introduction
For the chosen session plan, the target audience will comprise of university students and
hence, will aim to not only inculcate the values of healthy eating among a group of young adults
within the age group of 18 to 25 years, but will also comprise of dissemination on the availability
of nutritionally balanced meals in the café of the educational institutions.
Importance of Healthy Eating
Young adults in the age group of 18 to 25 years have surpassed their years of growth
spurt and hence, must now maintain adequate nutritional profiles as they proceed towards
adulthood. Consumption of an optimally balanced nutritious diet will aid young adults in the
maintenance of their immune functioning for disease protection, maintenance of blood volumes
essential for oxygen and nutrient transport to basic organ systems and the brain for cognitive as
well as for the maintenance of adequate energy levels to cope with the stresses of an active social
and academic life characteristic during this age [1]. Moreover, young adults are also
encountering active bone development until late adulthood, and hence, healthy eating is essential
for the maintenance of bone structure and repair of damages incurred due to injuries [2].
Eating Behavior, Health and Wellbeing
It must be remembered that young adults studying in universities are often susceptible to
the acquisition of unhealthy eating behaviors, such as increased consumption of processed and
convenience foods and beverages which are high in sugars, fats and calories with little nutritional
value. Healthy eating at this stage is essential for the buildup and maintenance of nutritional
reserves in later life, especially for ensuring optimum disease protection and combating the

3NUTRITION SESSION PLAN
metabolic and physiological effects of ageing [3]. Hence, lack of consumption of basic
nutritional elements of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrate and energy), micronutrients
(minerals and vitamins) and maintenance nutrients (water, dietary fiber, antioxidants), will
increase the susceptibility of chronic disease acquisition and nutritional deficiencies during late
adulthood and old age among young adults aged between 18 to 25 years and hence a loss of
positive health outcomes and wellbeing [4].
Session Plan
Key Influences
Academic and Peer Pressure
Taking insights from the psychosocial theory postulated by Erik Erikson, young adults or
university students belonging to the age group of 18 to 25 can categorized to belong to the
developmental stage of ‘Intimacy vs. Isolation’. Considering the importance building long
lasting, loving relationships characteristic during this stage, university students attach great
importance to peer groups [5]. Hence, it is likely, that in the face of a weekly outing with friends
at a nearby eatery or fast food store, the young adult will not wish to feel excluded and hence,
will participate in the same eating behaviors [6]. Likewise, university students are considerably
burdened with academic pressures and hence, often do not have the time to invest in healthy food
choices or self food preparation practices, resulting in preference towards consumption of
convenience and processed food with little nutritional value. Hence, to combat the effects of peer
as well as academic pressures on eating habits, the session plan will focus on educating students
on the role of time management and regulation of peer pressure in ensuring healthy eating
patterns and positive health outcomes [7].