Become a Behavior Change Specialist in Nutrition
Our relationship with food is complex. We have to navigate food choices multiple times a day, every day, for the rest of our lives. That’s why this course focuses on behavior change through the specific and deeply personal lens of nutrition.
Many clients know, or at least think they know, what they should be eating. Often, what they need from you isn’t just what to do, but how to make it happen.
The AFPA Nutrition and Behavior Change Certificate of Specialty is designed to bridge that gap.
Bridge the Gap Between Nutrition Knowledge and Lasting Change
This comprehensive behavior modification course delivers everything you need to help clients overcome resistance and build sustainable, health-promoting habits. Grounded in science and tailored for nutrition, you’ll go beyond theory and learn how to apply motivational interviewing and evidence-based behavior change models in real-life client sessions.
Whether you’re a health coach, nutritionist, or RD, this course will elevate your practice and boost client success. Every module delivers concise, actionable education, complete with lecture videos, downloadable tools, interactive scenarios, and content to enhance your learning.
What You Gain: Practical Skills and Proven Methods
This course gives you the skills to help clients break through resistance, change their relationship with food, and build habits that truly last. You’ll learn how to guide behavior change with greater empathy, strategy, and impact, allowing you to transform lives while growing your confidence as a professional. It’s not just about knowing more—it’s about coaching better.
- Drive real client transformation using nutrition-specific behavior change techniques
- Enhance your coaching confidence with applied motivational interviewing training
- Implement what you learn immediately with practical demos, handouts, and real-world tools
- Save time with a compact format designed for busy professionals
- Stand out in your field with specialized expertise in nutrition intervention and habit formation
- Stay current with the most up-to-date insights in motivational interviewing and behavior science
- Deepen your understanding of theories like the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory
Why This Course Stands Out in the Industry
Nutrition-Specific Focus
Unlike general behavior change consulting programs, this course is laser-focused on dietary behavior and nutrition coaching.
Expert Instructors
Learn directly from registered dietitians and certified health coaches with real-world experience in client behavior change.
Motivational Interviewing, Tailored for Nutrition
Go beyond the basics with practical, specialized motivational interviewing techniques that fit the unique challenges of changing food behaviors.
Fast and Flexible
Complete the full course in under 12 weeks—far quicker than comparable behavior change programs.
Applied, Not Abstract
Every module includes demonstrations, scenarios, and tools you can use immediately—no theory without practice.
Growth-Oriented Format
Short lecture videos, downloadable resources, and quick assessments make it easy to learn and retain.
Is This Certificate Right for You?
This course is designed for professionals who work with clients and want to facilitate lasting behavior change around food and nutrition. If you’re ready to start creating breakthroughs and lasting changes with your clients, this program gives you the tools to do just that. You’ll gain the methods and confidence to guide more meaningful conversations, shift habits, and help people feel empowered in their choices around food.
Health Coaches looking to specialize in nutrition-focused behavior change
Nutritionists wanting to boost outcomes with applied motivational interviewing and behavior change science
Registered Dietitians (RDs) seeking to enhance their client counseling skills through advanced coaching techniques
Aspiring behavior change specialists focused on food philosophy and healthy eating habits
What This Nutrition Behavior Change Course Includes
Get immediate access to your online learning platform the moment you enroll. Everything you need to complete your certificate of specialty and start changing lives through nutrition-focused behavior change is included. No extra textbooks or materials required. This dynamic, 100% online course is designed to make your learning experience clear, practical, and impactful from day one.
📖 18 Comprehensive Modules: Build your skills with a structured, step-by-step approach that walks you through core behavior change theories, motivational interviewing, and nutrition-specific coaching strategies.
🎥 Expert-Led Video Lessons: Learn directly from experienced professionals through engaging, real-world lessons and client-based scenarios.
📄 Downloadable Training Resources: Access ready-to-use resources, including motivational interviewing scripts, guides to assess your clients’ stage in the behavior change process, and handouts on behavior change theories.
✅ Quizzes & Final Assessment: Reinforce your learning with section quizzes and a multiple-choice final exam.
A Look Inside the Course Curriculum
This course is organized into four structured sections that guide you through the science and strategy of nutrition-focused behavior change. You’ll start by understanding the foundations of eating habits and nutrition, then dive deep into behavior change models, motivational interviewing, and applied coaching strategies. Each module builds on the last, giving you the tools to confidently support lasting dietary change in real-world settings.
Section 1: Nutrition and Behavior Answer
- Module 1: Introduction to Nutrition and Behavior Change and the Components of Eating Habits
- Module 2: Nutrition Basics
- Module 3: Food Philosophies and Navigating Fads
- Module 4: Nutritional Interventions
Section 2: Theories of Health Behavior Change and Their Application Answer
- Module 5: Theoretical Foundations of Health Behavior and Health Promotion
- Module 6: Models of Individual Health Behavior
- Module 7: Models of Interpersonal Health Behavior
- Module 8: Ecological Models
Section 3: Motivational Interviewing for Dietary Change Answer
- Module 9: Motivational Interviewing Techniques and the Engaging Process
- Module 10: Focusing for Dietary Change
- Module 11: Evoking for Dietary Change
- Module 12: Planning for Dietary Change
Section 4: Creating and Sustaining Dietary Change Answer
- Module 13: Goal Setting in Nutrition
- Module 14: Habit Formation
- Module 15: Environmental Restructuring for Dietary Change
- Module 16: Self-Efficacy
- Module 17: Stress and Resilience
- Module 18: Emotional Agility and Self-Compassion
Meet Your Instructors
This course was developed by a team of professionals with deep expertise in nutrition, health behavior science, and client coaching. Each contributor brings a unique blend of academic knowledge, real-world coaching experience, and a passion for helping others create lasting lifestyle change. You’ll learn from registered dietitians, health coaches, and educators who not only teach the science, but actively use it to transform lives.
Kellie Lunday, MS, RD, LD
Kellie Lunday is AFPA’s nutrition content lead and a registered dietitian with nearly a decade of experience in corporate wellness, health education, and performance optimization. She received her MS in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University and completed her dietetic internship at The University of Texas in Austin. Kellie currently serves as the Nutrition Content Lead for AFPA. Previously, she has worked in various roles at Exos and the University of Texas at Austin. She is passionate about travel, global cuisines, fitness, and advancing consumer health through evidence-based education.
Rachel Cirino, MS, RD, NBC-HWC
Rachel is a registered dietitian, NBHWC-certified health and wellness coach, and certified yoga instructor. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. With a decade of experience, Rachel has a diverse background in public health, healthcare, and her private practice. She has a passion for mindfulness as a way of learning to eat and move intuitively without rules, plans, or strict diets. Witnessing the transformative impact of personalized guidance on someone’s life fuels her to continue to empower others on their wellness journeys.
Shana Walsh, PhD, NBC-HWC, MCHES
Dr. Shana Walsh is the Director of Education and Curriculum at AFPA. With a PhD in Kinesiology, Exercise Nutrition, and Health Promotion, she has served as an educator, author, and researcher. She is also a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Master Certified Health Education Specialist, and Certified Personal Trainer. In training, coaching, and researching, Shana focuses on the why behind health-related decisions, seeking an understanding of the factors that influence individual behavior. She knows that when people improve their health, they improve their life. She is committed to supporting others to take steps toward positive change.
Victoria P. Davis, NBC-HWC, CPT
Victoria has a decade of experience in corporate health coaching, fitness, wellness content development, and presenting in the health, fitness, and wellness communities. She received the “Health Coach of the Year” Award in 2018 from The Wellness Council of Arizona and was featured in AZ Central’s “Who’s Next in Health and Fitness.” Victoria’s journey of thriving with Tourette Syndrome and scoliosis fueled her mission to help others with similar stories. Victoria serves as the head of Client Success at Sworkit, a global digital fitness and movement solution, and channels her passion for helping people find enjoyable daily movement.
FAQ
What are the qualifications to enroll in Nutrition and Behavior Change? Answer
To enroll in this certificate of specialty, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a solid understanding of the English language.
How long does it take to complete this course? Answer
Nutrition and Behavior Change is designed as a self-directed, self-study course structured to be completed in six months or less. Should you find yourself in need of more time, we offer the option to request a six-month extension for a fee of $75. This extension allows you to continue your studies without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, ensuring that you have the necessary time to grasp the concepts.
How soon can I begin this course? Answer
We have open enrollment for our Nutrition and Behavior Change certificate of specialty, so you may enroll whenever you are ready. Shortly after completing your purchase, we will grant you access to the learning portal where you can begin your course right away.
Are textbooks included in my enrollment fee? Answer
This course is 100% online with no textbooks required.
What happens once I enroll in this course? Answer
Shortly after you place your order, you will receive access to our online learning platform. This user-friendly platform serves as your hub for accessing all course materials, lectures, resources, and assessments.
Will I earn a certification once I complete this course? Answer
You will earn a certificate of specialty once you complete this course. This specialization does not need to be renewed and is designed to complement a Holistic Health Coach Certification, Holistic Nutritionist Certification, Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach, or similar certification.
Can I earn continuing education credits for completing this course? Answer
A newly acquired AFPA certificate of specialty has a value of 8 continuing education credits (CECs) that count toward the renewal requirements of an existing AFPA certification. To qualify for CECs, you must successfully complete this certificate of specialty program.
Are payment plans available for this course? Answer
Yes, AFPA also offers flexible payment plans to support your goals and fit your budget.
Have More Questions?
Talk to an AFPA Enrollment Specialist.
Our knowledgeable team is here to provide you with the answers and details you need, helping you feel confident in your decision every step of the way.
