Psychonutrition: Exploring mind and food connection

A 30-hour Certificate Course in ‘Psychonutrition: Exploring the mind and food connection’ was organized by the Postgraduate Department of Food Technology and the Postgraduate Department of Psychology of Carmel College of Arts, Science & Commerce from 11 to 25 August 2025 from 2 to 5 pm. Dr Maria Cordeiro, Course Coordinator and faculty of Food Technology played a vital role in designing the course supported by Ms Anushka Fernandes from Psychology Department. The main objective of the course was to disseminate information on the relationship between diet, eating habits, and emotions, bridging the gap between psychology, nutrition, and dietetics. This interdisciplinary field recognizes the profound influence of psychological factors on dietary choices and eating habits that affect mental and emotional well-being. Driven by a passion to understand the mind and food connection, total of 27 students registered for the course which included 16 from MSc and 11 from MA.

During the inaugural session, Dr Maria Cordeiro, the Course Coordinator welcomed and addressed the gathering. Ms Ovida Rodrigues, faculty of MA Psychology led the gathering to prayer. The Principal, Dr. Aldina Braganza e Gomes emphasized the importance of the course and encouraged the students to use this opportunity available to them. Sr. Ishapriya, the Manager mentioned that the students are our future and need to do best for the community and society. Both the principal and the manager declared the course open and conveyed best wishes to the students.

During the course, the classes and activities were conducted in the classroom in the Nirmalini

A.C. Block. The faculty of Food Technology and Psychology departments of the college

guided the students to better understand the impact of nutrition and balanced diet on mental and emotional well being. Spread across 10 days, the students enthusiastically participated in all the different activities and imbibed the information on different topics disseminated to them.

The practical evaluation was conducted partly by the faculty of the course and external resource person was invited on 22 August 2025, Ms. Sibyl Fernandes (Assistant Professor, department of psychology, Carmel College) to evaluate posters displayed below admin block. The students prepared posters during the sessions on the topic assigned to them which were then displayed and evaluated. The evaluation of the theoretical knowledge was also done on the same day at 2.30 pm in the classroom.

The valedictory program was conducted on 25 August 2025 by the course coordinators. The students were asked to share their feedback about the course. The program ended with distribution of certificate and a group photo.