What if something as simple as a banana could help your mental health? That’s the question behind a Mount Tahoma TV segment created by Laliyah Avery, who explored how what we eat—especially fruits and proteins—affects how we feel, think, and get through the school day.

Laliyah started by asking students a few basic but important questions: How many times a week do you eat fruits and protein? And if you could recommend one healthy meal, what would it be? The answers showed a wide range of habits. Some students said they eat fruit almost every day, while others admitted it’s more of a “when I remember” thing. Protein was another challenge, especially for students juggling busy schedules, sports, jobs, and family responsibilities.

To go deeper, Laliyah interviewed PE teachers, a nutritionist, and college and career coaches who provide free snacks to students throughout the day. These adults all shared the same message: food is fuel—not just for your body, but for your brain too. Eating balanced meals with fruits and protein can help with focus, energy, and even mood, which matters when stress and anxiety are already high for a lot of teens.

At Mount Tahoma, this connects directly to our community values. Offering free snacks shows compassion, equity, and kindness, making sure students can learn no matter their situation. Listening to student voices about what they eat builds community voice and belonging. Learning how nutrition affects mental health encourages critical thinking and curiosity, especially when students start asking why they feel tired or unfocused during class.

Food is also cultural. Many families at Tahoma have traditional meals that include fruits, beans, fish, rice, or vegetables passed down through generations. Honoring those foods means honoring our cultures and showing respect for where we come from.

The takeaway is simple but powerful: taking care of your mental health doesn’t always start with big changes. Sometimes it starts with a snack, a banana, or a meal that gives your body what it needs. At Mount Tahoma, supporting each other—mind and body—is how we keep growing together.

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