Transform Health and Wellness with the Diploma in Diet Planning and Meal Prep
The OSHAA 30-Hours Advance Diploma in Diet Planning and Meal Prep is a comprehensive programme designed to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to create balanced, effective, and personalised diet plans. The course covers essential nutrition principles, meal prep strategies, portion control, and nutrient optimisation to support health, fitness, and wellbeing. Learners will gain insight into macronutrient and micronutrient needs, dietary requirements for different lifestyles, and methods for implementing sustainable eating habits. This course is not Ofqual regulated but is professionally structured to provide actionable knowledge applicable in real-world scenarios.
Throughout the programme, participants explore how to design meal plans that align with individual goals, health conditions, and lifestyle preferences. The curriculum includes practical guidance on preparing nutritious meals efficiently, managing dietary restrictions, and applying evidence-based approaches for optimal nutrient intake. Learners will also develop skills in food selection, cooking techniques, and recipe planning, enabling them to deliver practical, flexible, and results-oriented diet solutions. Emphasis is placed on combining theory with hands-on strategies to ensure learners can confidently implement meal prep techniques for themselves or others.
OSHAA 30-Hours Advance Diploma in Diet Planning and Meal Prep provides a structured and engaging learning experience suitable for nutritionists, fitness coaches, healthcare practitioners, and individuals passionate about health and wellness. By the end of the course, learners will have the ability to create personalised meal plans, optimise nutrition for specific goals, and develop efficient meal prep routines. The programme also aligns with recognised professional certifications and diplomas in nutrition, dietetics, wellness, and health-focused roles, enhancing practical skills and professional credibility in the field.
Study Units
- Principles of Nutrition and Energy Balance (3 hours)
- Macronutrients and Micronutrients: Functions and Sources (3 hours)
- Dietary Requirements Across Life Stages and Lifestyles (6 hours)
- Special Diets: Medical, Cultural, and Ethical Considerations (3 hours)
- Fundamentals of Meal Planning and Nutritional Analysis (4 hours)
- Food Label Interpretation and Portion Management (6 hours)
- Cost-Effective Shopping and Meal Budgeting Techniques (2 hours)
- Batch Cooking and Practical Meal Prep Strategies (3 hours)
Entry Requirements
The OSHAA 30-Hours Advance Diploma in Diet Planning and Meal Prep is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners while ensuring they can fully engage with the course content. The following entry requirements are recommended:
- Age Requirement: Learners should be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment to ensure readiness for professional-level learning.
- Educational Background: A basic educational foundation is required. Learners with related diplomas or certificates—such as nutrition, dietetics, health and wellness, fitness, or food science—will find it easier to understand and apply the course content effectively.
- Language Proficiency: As the course is delivered in English, learners should have sufficient reading and comprehension skills to engage fully with learning materials, practical exercises, and assessments.
While prior work experience in nutrition, health, fitness, or wellness fields is advantageous, it is not mandatory. These entry requirements are designed to create an inclusive learning environment while ensuring participants can successfully apply the knowledge and practical skills gained from the course.
Learning Outcomes
Principles of Nutrition and Energy Balance (3 Hours)
- Understand the foundational concepts of human nutrition and dietary guidelines
- Explain the role of energy balance in weight maintenance and health
- Identify factors affecting individual energy needs
- Recognise how diet impacts overall health, performance, and wellbeing
- Develop a strong foundation for creating personalised diet plans
Macronutrients and Micronutrients: Functions and Sources (3 Hours)
- Differentiate between macronutrients and micronutrients
- Describe the functions and dietary sources of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals
- Recognise the impact of nutrient deficiencies and excesses
- Understand the role of nutrients in supporting growth, metabolism, and energy
- Apply knowledge to optimise nutritional intake for different needs
Dietary Requirements Across Life Stages and Lifestyles (6 Hours)
- Identify nutritional needs from infancy through older adulthood
- Understand dietary considerations for pregnancy, lactation, and ageing
- Analyse how physical activity, occupation, and lifestyle impact dietary planning
- Develop flexible meal plans that accommodate different life stages and goals
- Recognise special considerations for active, sedentary, or clinical populations
Special Diets: Medical, Cultural, and Ethical Considerations (3 Hours)
- Explore dietary modifications for common medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Recognise cultural and religious dietary practices
- Understand ethical dietary preferences such as vegetarian and vegan diets
- Develop inclusive meal plans respecting personal and cultural choices
- Ensure dietary compliance while maintaining nutritional adequacy
Fundamentals of Meal Planning and Nutritional Analysis (4 Hours)
- Apply basic principles to create balanced, nutritious meal plans
- Use food composition data to assess nutritional adequacy
- Understand the role of meal timing and distribution for health optimisation
- Develop skills to adjust diets based on individual goals and needs
- Incorporate variety, balance, and practicality into meal planning
Food Label Interpretation and Portion Management (6 Hours)
- Accurately interpret nutritional information on food labels
- Identify misleading labelling claims and marketing tactics
- Apply portion control techniques to support dietary goals
- Understand serving sizes and daily nutrient recommendations
- Develop skills to guide clients or self in making informed food choices
Cost-Effective Shopping and Meal Budgeting Techniques (2 Hours)
- Plan grocery shopping to align with nutritional and budgetary needs
- Identify affordable nutrient-dense food options
- Reduce food waste through strategic purchasing and storage
- Compare prices and choose cost-effective alternatives
- Optimise budget while maintaining dietary quality
Batch Cooking and Practical Meal Prep Strategies (3 Hours)
- Demonstrate efficient batch cooking methods for various dietary needs
- Plan and organise weekly meal prep schedules
- Apply best practices in food safety and storage for pre-prepared meals
- Learn techniques to save time and maintain nutrient quality
- Implement practical meal prep strategies for home or professional use
Target Audience
The OSHAA 3The OSHAA 30-Hours Advance Diploma in Diet Planning and Meal Prep is designed for individuals who want to gain expert knowledge and practical skills in nutrition, meal planning, and food preparation. It is ideal for learners aiming to improve personal health, support clients, or advance their professional expertise in health, wellness, and nutrition-related fields.
Health and Nutrition Professionals
- Nutritionists and dietitians looking to enhance practical skills
- Health coaches and wellness consultants supporting client nutrition goals
- Fitness instructors incorporating diet advice into training plans
- Healthcare workers advising patients on meal planning and diet
- Professionals aiming to complement existing health and wellness credentials
Educators and Workshop Facilitators
- Teachers and lecturers delivering nutrition and health education
- Workshop facilitators creating practical sessions on diet planning
- Public health educators promoting healthy eating habits
- Community programme leaders educating on meal prep and nutrition
- Professionals developing resources and materials for health promotion
Individuals Focused on Personal Health
- Adults seeking structured guidance for balanced eating and meal prep
- Individuals wanting to improve cooking efficiency and dietary adherence
- People managing weight, health conditions, or active lifestyles
- Learners interested in practical strategies for sustainable nutrition
- Anyone aiming to adopt evidence-based, healthy eating habits
Culinary and Food Industry Professionals
- Chefs and cooks wanting to integrate nutritional planning into menus
- Meal prep service providers improving dietetic knowledge
- Food business owners developing health-focused offerings
- Culinary students aiming to understand diet planning principles
- Professionals designing meals for clients with specific health goals
Students with Related Educational Backgrounds
- Learners holding diplomas or certificates in nutrition, dietetics, fitness, or wellness
- Individuals studying health sciences, food science, or culinary arts
- Professionals seeking to strengthen their practical expertise and credentials
- Those aiming to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world meal prep scenarios
- Individuals wishing to complement existing certifications with applied diet planning skills
This course provides a structured, practical, and professional learning experience, equipping learners with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to create balanced diet plans, optimise meal preparation, and support health and wellness outcomes for themselves or clients.
