When I’m deciding what healthy snacks to choose during lunchtime, help me to access nutritional information and tips, so that I can make smart food choices that keep me energized throughout the day.
In the lively cafeteria of Westwood Middle School, Alex, an 8th grader, usually went for snacks that looked appealing, even if they weren’t the healthiest. But today, as he scanned the snacks, something felt different.
Choosing snacks had become a bit puzzling for Alex. His usual way of picking snacks on the fly wasn’t helping him make healthier choices anymore, especially after his recent doctor’s visit where he learned he needed to make some changes to his lifestyle.
Inside Alex’s mind, things were shifting. He was struggling with trying something new, still sticking to his old habits. His quick decision-making system, based on memories and emotions, was now challenged by the idea of healthier snacks. This led to another part of his brain, the one that handles more thoughtful choices, starting to kick into gear. This was Alex’s Step 1 moment, realizing he needed to switch things up.
“Are there tasty snacks that are also good for me?” Alex wondered. “How many calories should I aim for to lose weight?” He remembered the stories his doctor shared, and he could relate to the challenges of being overweight. These thoughts showed his Deliberate System was starting to work.
Seeing Alex’s uncertainty, his teacher, Mrs. Miller, stepped in to help. Together, they looked for nutritional information and tips for healthier snacks in Step 2. They talked about how balanced choices could boost his energy levels and how avoiding diabetes could help him stay active, just like his older brother.
In Step 3, Alex used what he learned to set clear goals for himself. “I need snacks that keep me full of energy,” he decided. He also made goals focused on calories, the type of activity he wanted to do, and his doctor’s advice. He knew he had to make this a new habit fast.
Then, in Step 4, he ranked snack options based on taste and nutrition, finding snacks that met his criteria.
Finally, Alex found a bunch of healthier snacks that fit his needs—snacks that were both nutritious and tasty. In Step 5, he reviewed his process to make sure he was on the right track.
With Mrs. Miller’s help, Alex made a list of his preferred healthier snacks, including their nutritional details. This was Step 6, getting his plan into action.
During Step 7, Alex swapped out his usual snacks for the healthier options during lunchtime.
In Step 8, he looked back at his progress. Over the weeks, he found that the new snacks kept him energized throughout the day, helped him focus in class, and even led to some weight loss. Now, making healthy choices was becoming a habit, replacing his old patterns.
Excited about his progress, Alex shared his experience with his friends, encouraging them to make informed snack choices too. He even threw a party with healthy snacks and drinks, showing how delicious and fun healthy eating could be.
His journey from impulsive choices to a more thoughtful approach, along with his improving health, showed the power of using Deliberate System thinking to make positive changes in habits.