Food and Mood

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OBJECTIVE

Students will explore how different foods evoke emotions and memories, helping them understand the personal significance of their food choices.

Students will learn about the nutritional value of various foods and how these choices can impact their mood, concentration, and overall well-being.

Students will practice mindful eating techniques, focusing on the sensory experience of tasting new foods without judgment, fostering openness to new experiences.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

MATERIALS

White board and markers

Paper or poster board for student Illustrations

Pencils and Markers

A variety of foods to taste and discuss

PROCEDURE

Lesson Overview

Introduction (10 minutes)

  1. Opening Discussion:
    • Engage students in a conversation about how certain foods make them feel. Use prompts like, “What foods make you feel special?” (e.g., Earl Grey tea, coffee cake, chicken soup).
    • Discuss both physical and emotional connections to these foods.
  2. Setting the Tone:
    • Emphasize a non-judgmental atmosphere: “Today, we won’t label foods as good or bad, and we won’t ‘yuck’ anyone’s ‘yum.’”

Activity 1: No Judgment Breakfast Quiz (15 minutes)

  1. Collect Breakfast Choices:
    • Ask students to share what they had for breakfast and write responses on the board.
  2. Group Discussion:
    • Analyze the positives and challenges of different breakfasts.
      • Highlight nutritional benefits: “Cereals can provide whole grains; milk offers calcium and protein.”
      • Discuss treats versus nutritious choices.

Activity 2: The Impact of Food Choices (20 minutes)

  1. Brainstorming Session:
    • Pose questions: “How might the foods you eat affect your school day? What foods help or challenge you?”
  2. Nutritional Insights:
    • Discuss key nutrients that enhance mood and focus:
      • Hydration: Importance of water for concentration.
      • Protein: Role of eggs and yogurt in improving mood (mentioning phenylalanine).
      • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Discuss sources like fish and pumpkin seeds for brain health.
      • Whole Grains and Fruits: Explore how foods like spinach, bananas, and blueberries boost brain function and mood.
  3. Sugar Discussion:
    • Address the effects of sugar on energy and mood: “Sugar can give you a quick energy boost but may lead to a crash. When is the best time to enjoy sugary treats?”

Activity 3: Super Breakfast and Lunch Ideas (15 minutes)

  1. Creating “Super” Meals:
    • Brainstorm ways to enhance breakfasts and lunches:
      • Ideas for “super cereal”: adding fruits, nuts, honey.
      • Discuss options for a “super lunch” and student involvement in meal prep.
  2. Encouraging Choice:
    • Encourage students to take an active role in their food choices: “Do you help pack your lunch or make grocery lists?”

Activity 4: Taste Test (30 minutes)

  1. Mindful Tasting:
    • Introduce a new food for tasting, guiding students on how to approach it: “If you’re unsure, it’s okay to touch it with your tongue or just smell it.”
    • Encourage descriptive language: “I want you to use ‘million-dollar’ words to describe the taste!”
  2. Tasting Guidelines:
    • Remind students to focus on the experience of tasting, rather than judgment.
    • “Close your eyes to enhance your senses and concentrate on flavors and textures.”

Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

  1. Reflect on Preferences:
    • Facilitate a discussion on new foods students might want to try based on the tasting experience (sweet, sour, salty).
  2. Mindful Eating Challenge:
    • Challenge students to eat one meal mindfully, paying attention to flavors, smells, and feelings. They will write four sentences and create an illustration to share, which will be collected for feedback.