NutriQuest- Fuelling wellness in Lavasa

From September 1st to 7th, 2024, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, observed Nutrition Week, an initiative organized by the Centre for Counselling & Health Services (CCHS). The primary objective of this week-long event was to create awareness among the student community about the critical role of nutrition and balanced diets in maintaining overall health and well-being. With an increasing focus on health, especially in the post-pandemic era, events like these are pivotal in ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary knowledge to lead healthier lives.

CCHS crafted a variety of engaging and educational activities to drive home the message, targeting students and faculties from all departments. Three key activities stood out for their wide-reaching impact: an Instagram series, a nutrition-themed quiz, and a stall offering healthy food options. These initiatives were designed not only to raise awareness but also to encourage practical, day-to-day changes in the students' dietary habits.

The first major activity was an Instagram series that ran throughout the week. The series featured a wide array of content, ranging from facts about nutrition and the benefits of a balanced diet to busting common myths about food. This content was delivered in a visually engaging format to grab the attention of the student body. The series emphasized how small dietary changes could have significant long-term effects on health. By leveraging the university's social media platform, CCHS was able to reach a larger audience and ensure that the message of Nutrition Week resonated beyond the campus, encouraging not only students but also faculty members to rethink their eating habits. 

The second activity, held on September 2nd and 3rd, was a Nutrition Quiz. This event attracted a significant number of participants, showcasing the competitive spirit among students. The quiz was designed to test the participants’ knowledge about essential nutrients, the benefits of different food groups, and the importance of hydration. Questions also delved into the risks associated with poor dietary choices, such as the long-term impacts of excessive sugar and fat consumption. Winners were awarded certificates and health-related prizes, further motivating participants to engage with the material and apply their newfound knowledge in their everyday lives.

One of the most popular activities of the week was the Nutrition Stall, which was set up in the Activity Hub. The stall, offered healthy refreshments such as green tea and sprout salad. The idea behind this initiative was to provide students with a taste of what healthy eating could look like in a simple, accessible format. The green tea and sprout salad were chosen not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their ease of preparation, encouraging students to incorporate such items into their diets. The stall received a tremendous response, with many students appreciating the health-focused offerings and inquiring about how they could make similar meals at home. The success of the stall underscored the importance of practical demonstrations in encouraging students to adopt healthier lifestyles.

In conclusion, Nutrition Week 2024 at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, was a resounding success. Through a combination of engaging activities, including the Instagram awareness series, the nutrition quiz, and the food stall, CCHS effectively communicated the importance of balanced nutrition to the student community. These efforts contributed significantly to enhancing students’ understanding of the role of diet in health and well-being, encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyle habit. The university looks forward to continuing such initiatives in the future to promote holistic wellness among its community members.