Lorraine Hirst on Food and Mood
What inspired your presentation topic, and why do you think it's important for English language teachers today?
In teaching and many other professions, we work hard for our students and clients, and often we neglect ourselves. As a nutritionist, educator and public health person, I know that it’s easy to burn out and get sick, either mentally or physically. I’ve been there. Good nutrition that supports our mental health and mood, can underpin our overall wellbeing and our ability to be able to help or teach others. Healthy habits = a healthy mind. Also, eating well supports our hormones which can further support our mood, especially for women, who make up a large proportion of the EL workforce.
Can you share a key takeaway from your session that teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms?
Make sure you have a protein-filled breakfast so that you are not tempted to snack all day. Think about what your triggers are for cravings and try to wait a few minutes before giving into them or distract yourself by doing something for yourself. e.g. take a walk, three deep breathes, jog on the spot for one minute, step outside, speak to a friend or colleague. Change the 'biscuit culture' in the staffroom for banana oat cookies (made without sugar) or fresh fruit.
What’s one book, resource, or tool you’d recommend to English teachers looking to improve their practice?
The book, Drive, by Daniel Pink. It’s not about nutrition but is a great book for understanding motivation and what drives us (including children).
Lorraine is an MSc-qualified Nutritionist and coach specialising in healthy eating, food psychology and emotional eating. With 35+ years in the sector, she has designed Public Health trainer-training, weight-management programmes, and leads a community cooking and growing initiative in the UK. Founder of Community Health-Works, she works closely with community partners, delivering nutrition education to those with COPD, diabetes and CVD.
