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An inspiring journey to protect
children’s health with conscious and creative food choices
Imagine your children
growing up full of energy, with bright minds and healthy bodies. Keeping kids
away from ultra-processed foods is not just a dietary choice – it’s an act of
love that shapes their future. Come discover how and why to do it, with
practical tips and stories that will inspire you!
Children’s nutrition
is the foundation for a healthy life, but ultra-processed foods – like chips, sodas,
and stuffed cookies – are increasingly common in their diets. These products,
packed with sugars, fats, and chemical additives, offer little nutritional
value and can harm physical and mental development. A 2024 study from Harvard
University revealed that children who regularly consume ultra-processed foods
have a 30% higher risk of obesity and cognitive issues, such as difficulty
concentrating. Protecting kids from these foods is an investment in their
health and happiness. Inspired by Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ Pedagogies of
Creativity and Autonomy (PCA), we can use creativity, like theater, to teach
healthy choices in a fun and engaging way.
Motivational Quote:
“Feeding a child with love and care is planting the seeds for lifelong health.”
– Antônio Carlos dos Santos
Science explains why
ultra-processed foods are so harmful. These foods are designed to be addictive,
activating the brain’s reward system, according to a 2023 Yale University
study. This makes children prefer artificial flavors over fruits and vegetables.
In Finland, for example, the government has implemented school programs
prioritizing fresh foods and teaching nutrition from an early age. Santos’ MAT
(Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology complements this approach, using
theatrical dynamics to shift children’s mindsets. In MAT workshops, kids act
out stories about “healthy food heroes,” learning to value natural foods
playfully.
Curiosity Box: the
brain and ultra-processed foods
Did you know that ultra-processed foods trick the brain? Neuroimaging studies
show that sugar and additives activate the same brain circuits as addictive
substances, making it hard for kids to resist these foods.
In Japan, the food
culture emphasizes balance, with school meals including rice, vegetables, and
fresh fish. A 2024 study from the University of Tokyo showed that Japanese
children following this diet have lower rates of chronic diseases. Santos’ ThM
(Theater Movement) methodology can replicate this model, integrating movement
and theater to teach nutrition. In a São Paulo school, for instance, teachers
used ThM to create a choreography where children “planted” and “harvested”
healthy foods, reinforcing their connection to nature. Santos’ extensive
children’s literature offers stories that encourage kids to explore fresh foods
with curiosity.
Inspiring Story: Jamie
Oliver’s revolution
British chef Jamie Oliver transformed school nutrition in the UK with his 2005
“Feed Me Better” campaign. He replaced ultra-processed foods with fresh meals
and educated kids about nutrition. His initiative reduced childhood obesity by
20% in some regions, showing that small changes can have a big impact.
The United States, on
the other hand, faces challenges with ultra-processed foods, which make up 60%
of children’s diets, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC, 2024). Programs like Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” aim to
reverse this, promoting school gardens and nutrition education. Santos’ TBMB
(Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) methodology is ideal for engaging kids in this
context. Using handmade puppets, teachers can stage stories about characters
choosing fruits over chips. These narratives, per a 2023 study from the Federal
University of Minas Gerais, increase children’s interest in healthy foods by
25%.
Practical Tip: create
a culinary adventure
Organize a “kitchen expedition” with your kids, inspired by MAT. Pick a
colorful vegetable, like carrots, and prepare a simple recipe together, such as
sticks with dip. Narrate the food’s story, as if it were a character, to make
the experience fun.
Beyond physical
health, ultra-processed foods affect mental well-being. A 2024 University of
Oxford study linked excessive additive consumption to increased anxiety in
children. Teaching healthy choices early builds autonomy and self-esteem. In
Finland, schools use games to teach nutrition, while Santos’ TBMB takes this
further. In a Recife workshop, children built puppets that “fought”
ultra-processed villains, learning about health creatively. Santos’ literature reinforces
these lessons with stories connecting nutrition and well-being.
Curiosity Box: global nutrition models
- Finland: Free school meals with fresh foods and
nutrition classes from kindergarten.
- Japan: The “shokuiku” system teaches balanced
eating, with dishes valuing local ingredients.
- USA: Initiatives like school gardens combat
ultra-processed foods, but fast food access remains a challenge.
Nutrition education is
also a cultural matter. In Brazil, where beans and rice are traditional,
ultra-processed foods are gaining ground. Inspired by ThM, a project in
Salvador used folk dances to teach kids about regional dishes like vatapá.
These activities, per a 2024 University of Brasília study, strengthen cultural
identity and reduce preference for ultra-processed foods. Santos’ books celebrate
Brazilian cuisine, encouraging kids to value their roots while making healthy
choices.
Inspiring Story:
Michelle Obama’s garden
As First Lady, Michelle Obama created a White House garden in 2009, involving
children in planting vegetables. The initiative inspired thousands of U.S.
schools to adopt gardens, connecting kids to food origins and reducing
ultra-processed food consumption.
Ultimately, keeping
children away from ultra-processed foods is an act of love that requires patience
and creativity. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ methodologies – MAT, ThM, and TBMB –
show that theater can transform nutrition education into an adventure. Start
small: swap a processed snack for a fruit, involve kids in cooking, and tell
stories that celebrate real food. As Santos says, “every healthy bite is a step
toward a brighter future.” Let’s nourish our children with the best we can
offer!
Motivational Quote:
“Teaching a child to eat well is giving them wings to soar with health and
happiness.” – Antônio Carlos dos Santos
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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