The Wiser Choices: A "Nutrition On A Budget" Workshop

How young should one be to understand what food is nutritious and what is not? While it may seem fanciful for children to eat without restrictions, the earlier they learn about healthy eating, the better. Our goal was to instil a sense of righteousness regarding nutritious food, embedding the belief that “a healthy meal is the secret to a healthy body, mind, and soul” deeply into their minds.

The constant observation of students bringing unhealthy and unnutritious food to school posed an immediate concern that needed to be acknowledged. “Nutrition breaks” were introduced by the principal encouraging the consumption of only healthy food. However, the affordability of healthy options remains an issue, and students often resort to purchasing chips and other inexpensive, unhealthy snacks. This highlights the need for budget-friendly healthy food options

Guided by the expertise of Dr Mrudula Bhave, an eminent ophthalmologist, specialised in phaco refractive surgery and Founder and CEO, of "CalPal", a home-delivered health food business for medical ailments or general fitness, our recent workshop was a resounding success.

Dr Bhave’s experience and skills shone throughout the day, forming an immediate connection with the kids. Her patience and engaging nature kept the children excited and attentive.

Her proficiency in English, Hindi, and Marathi, along with her clear communication skills and ability to connect with kids by matching their energy and language, quickly built a sense of trust and relevance between her and the children.

Eye-Opening Moments and Engaging Activities

At the start of the workshop, when the children were asked what they had for lunch during recess, responses like “popcorn,”, ”wafers”, and “chips” were common. What stuck with us was the ease and normalisation the answers were given with, almost as if this was their staple meal.

It was the vivid contrast between our experiences and theirs that was striking. For us, eating healthy has always been a part of our daily routine, with the values of nourishing our bodies instilled in us from a young age. In their world, what is considered normal and regular food is often seen as unhealthy by our standards. 

This revelation sparked a series of discussions about how such foods do not nourish the body and can lead to long-term health issues. The kids were visibly surprised and intrigued, realizing the importance of healthier food choices as the new normal.

Dr. Bhave encouraged students to clap for those who brought healthier foods like thepla, making healthy eating the new "cool." This approach aimed to subconsciously shift their perception of nutritious choices with positive social reinforcement. By making healthy foods more appealing, she subtly guided the students towards better dietary habits.

The entire workshop had one true motivation behind, it was to truly make an impact that drives a positive change in the daily meal habits of the children with regard the kind of accessibility their households withhold. 

Nutrition was preached on a BUDGET so that everyone can achieve the best from what they can. We wanted to ensure that a lack of monetary resources doesn’t hold them back from actively nourishing their bodies.

Our Take was simply, ‘Whatever nutrients an Avacado can provide, can also be given by a pocket-friendly banana’. 

Hands-On Learning through Play- The art of Gamification

Through examples, stories, and shared experiences, the children’s eagerness to learn and apply their newfound knowledge was captivating. They swarmed around, playing, encouraging each other, interacting, and most importantly, listening attentively to every word from Dr. Bhave. We incorporated the use of Gamification to motivate continuous participation and embed their connection and memorability to create a lasting impact, one that involves social interaction and decision-making.

The approach was simple, 

The kids were made part of two precisely planned well-executed games, which were;

1. Food Segregation Game: 

AIM: The aim was to create a new normal for children when it comes to healthy food to help them decide their source of nutrition better.

CONCEPT: The game involved On-the-spot decision-making by segregating healthy and unhealthy food. This practice would prepare them subconsciously about what is healthy.

EXECUTION: Children were given various food items to place into three colour-coded baskets – red, green, and yellow – based on the healthiness of the food. 

LEARNING: This hands-on activity provided a simple, visual way to understand the concept of healthy and unhealthy foods.

The children were much more confident in regard to choosing good food for themselves.

2. Food Snakes and Ladders: 

AIM: The aim was to let the kids know the consequences of consuming healthy and unhealthy food by making engaging and memorable for children.

CONCEPT: Food choices decide whether you climb the stairs or fall down a snake, making it clear how healthy food is fuel for the body and unhealthy food is draining.

EXECUTION: We made a life-sized Snakes and Ladders on the floor, with children advancing their game pieces by answering questions about food. Climbing ladders and sliding down snakes provided immediate feedback on their food choices.

LEARNING: This activity combined physical movement with nutritional education, allowing children to understand the consequences of their food choices in an enjoyable way. They gained a clearer understanding of healthy eating habits while having fun.

A Lasting Impact

To provide a tangible takeaway, each child received a pack of healthy, budget-friendly snacks. They were encouraged to share what they learned at home, emphasising the importance of being mindful of what we consume. As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.”

The motive here with a departure snack was to make the children’s families understand the sheer importance of healthy food amidst certain restrictions and that only effort would be the ultimate game changer.

The key takeaway of Lagori by executing an effective workshop on a budget like this one was the necessity of creativity and strategic thinking. Through our journey, we have embraced the power of gamification to enhance user engagement, turning mundane interactions into compelling experiences. 

The goal remains the same, to empower kids to make wise and diligent choices for themselves

This approach has not only enriched our understanding of the needs of the audience but also fostered innovative thinking and resilience. 

Yours Truly,

Samdisha <3