Fuel Your Mind: The Power of Nutrition on Mental Health - Flex Class
In this class, students will explore how diet affects mental health, hormones, and inflammation. They'll learn about nutrition's impact on the brain and gut while gaining skills to manage food intolerances and improve well-being.
Michelle Lynn Back MS
Average rating:
4.5
Number of reviews:(22)
What's included
5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1 hour per week. 3-6 throughout the classAssessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Advanced Level
In this engaging and informative class, students will explore the vital connection between diet, mental health, hormones, and inflammation. Students will learn how nutrition affects the brain, gut, and overall well-being while developing skills to identify and address food intolerances, inflammation triggers, and unhealthy eating habits. This course is perfect for students who want to take charge of their mental and physical health through science-based nutrition strategies.
Learning Goals
1. Explain how nutrition affects brain function, mood, and inflammation.2. Identify the macronutrients (fats, carbs, proteins) and their role in energy, mental function, and healing.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
The Diet Connection to Mental Health
• Understanding how diet affects the brain and gut.
• The importance of nutrient-dense foods.
Discussion: How diets can change throughout life.
Investigating Food and Inflammation:
Research how certain foods cause inflammation in the body. Write a short paragraph summarizing your findings and cite your source. Share your insights to spark class discussions on how food impacts health.
Homework: Collect nutrition labels from your favorite foods for the next class. 1 assignment
8 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Macronutrients – The Body’s Energy Sources
• The role of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and water.
• Benefits and risks of different macronutrients.
Ingredient Investigation Challenge:
Analyze ingredient labels from two snacks to identify the healthiest and unhealthiest components. Use a chart to compare findings and discuss trends with your classmates.
Snack Smackdown: Nutrition Label Showdown
Bring nutrition labels from a healthy and an unhealthy snack. Compare their nutritional values, answer guided questions, share your findings. 1 assignment
7 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Food Intolerances and Allergies
• Symptoms and impacts of food intolerances.
• Common food intolerances: eggs, gluten, caffeine, preservatives, and others.
• Introduction to intolerant elimination diet.
Research Activity: How food intolerances can cause brain fog, fatigue, and joint pain
Macro Food Prep Math:
Pick a meal, calculate its macronutrients, and adjust portions to meet dietary goals. Share your calculations to learn how different meals can support healthy eating habits. 1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Inflammation and Mental Health
• Understanding inflammation: Causes, symptoms, and consequences.
• The connection between inflammation and stress, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Research Activity: “How does food cause inflammation?” (Students summarize an article and cite sources).
Custom Recipe Book Project:
Create a recipe book featuring dishes from a specific diet. Research, design, and compile recipes to showcase your creativity and understanding of balanced meals. 1 assignment
15 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Supply List
Course Materials • Notebook, spreadsheet, word or digital journal for notes and activities. • Access to healthy and unhealthy snack labels (for homework). • Access to the internet for research.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
4.5
22reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Psychology from Western Kentucky University
Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from University of Evansville Indiana
With over 20 years of extensive research and hands-on experience in kinesiology, nutrition, education, and psychology, I am a highly qualified educator with a proven track record in teaching mental health curriculum. I hold degrees in kinesiology, nutrition, education, and psychology, including a Master of Science (MS) in Science, which have equipped me with a deep and broad understanding of the mind-body connection. Throughout my career, I have successfully taught hundreds of students, empowering them to improve their physical and mental health through evidence-based strategies. My expertise in how diet, exercise, and mindfulness impact mental well-being, hormones, and overall health has allowed me to design and deliver effective, science-backed strategies that resonate with students. I am passionate about equipping students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health, and my background in psychology enhances my ability to communicate complex concepts in a relatable and accessible way. By fostering a supportive learning environment, I strive to help students integrate these crucial lessons into their everyday lives, promoting lasting mental wellness.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$15
weekly or $75 for all content5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 12-18
