{"id":3630,"date":"2024-09-27T12:09:21","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T12:09:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erudito.lt\/naujienos\/successful-start-at-school-gian-luca-demarco-says-that-food-can-also-help-ease-adaptation\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T06:15:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T06:15:16","slug":"successful-start-at-school-gian-luca-demarco-says-that-food-can-also-help-ease-adaptation","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/erudito.lt\/en\/naujienos\/successful-start-at-school-gian-luca-demarco-says-that-food-can-also-help-ease-adaptation\/","title":{"rendered":"Successful Start at School: Gian Luca Demarco Says That Food Can Also Help Ease Adaptation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>The school doors are wide open once again, inviting us to gather in the circle of community and step into a new world of knowledge and emotional experiences. The first steps in this space, where learning and friendship go hand in hand, are often filled with anticipation, hesitation, and a touch of fear. Yet a successful start at school is not only the beginning of learning \u2013 it is also an opportunity to discover oneself and to develop qualities that will last a lifetime. And even food can contribute to a smooth beginning. This is the topic discussed at the caf\u00e9 Take A Break, where the \u201cErudito\u201d Lyceum Parents\u2019 Club met with chef Gian Luca Demarco and his wife Egl\u0117.    <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Emotions and Food: When Do We Crave Something Sweet?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>The day begins with a morning full of emotions. Breakfast? And more than that. \u201cWhen we are happy, food often tastes better,\u201d says chef Gian Luca Demarco. \u201cThis positive emotion can enhance our sense of taste, allowing us to enjoy even the simplest dishes. On the other hand, when we feel sad or <em>stressed<\/em>, food may seem tasteless or unappealing, as our emotional state blocks our ability to fully enjoy flavors.\u201d If you\u2019re angry, everything may taste salty; if you\u2019re tense, sourness becomes more pronounced. That\u2019s why, at the start of the school year, Gian Luca recommends that both children and adults enjoy a little sweet and colorful food. \u201cIt brings more warmth and coziness to the eyes and taste buds.\u201d At the same time, serotonin \u2013 the \u201chappiness hormone\u201d \u2013 increases in the body. This chemical compound boosts mood and helps us feel calmer and happier. Thus, the taste of food is an inseparable part of our emotional state, something that should be considered both in cooking and in our daily eating habits.     <\/p>\n\n<p>The chef points out that it is meaningful to focus on food, its taste and texture, because by eating calmly and mindfully, we can temporarily forget our problems or tension. However, while food may bring short-term relief to our emotional state, in the long run it does not solve the real causes of stress. That is why it is important to pay attention to healthy ways of managing emotions and stress. <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>The 4 Essential Needs: How to Meet Them Properly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Every morning, as the school doors open, people with different experiences come together under one roof: students, teachers, administrators, and families. What can be done to ensure that the pillars of community stand firm and the \u201croof\u201d remains steady? \u201cWe all need to understand and agree on the purpose of why we are here together. If we seek the common good, then instead of bringing frustrations, disappointments, or anger from elsewhere into school\u2014where the environment is sensitive and full of diverse dynamics\u2014we should focus on building unity. Each of us walks around with an invisible sign that says, \u2018I am important.\u2019 When you recognize this, you begin to understand that every person you meet carries their own story, which may not always be successful or happy,\u201d says Jurgita Steponaitien\u0117, primary teacher and coordinator of the Erudito Lyceum Parents\u2019 Club.<br\/><br\/><br\/>So, what can be done? \u201cIt\u2019s enough to start by knowing how to respond to four basic human needs, which remain the same at all ages and are independent of professional status.<br\/><br\/><br\/>The first is \u2018I am important\u2019 \u2013 feeling heard, understood, and part of a team. This is a deep human need: to know that one\u2019s presence, actions, and feelings matter. It gives meaning to relationships and helps find our place in the world, where each of us seeks recognition and respect.<br\/><br\/><br\/>The second is \u2018I can\u2019 \u2013 others believe in me, allow me to act, and I am capable of overcoming challenges, acting independently, and achieving goals. This need is the driving force behind personal growth, self-confidence, and a sense of meaning in everyday life.<br\/><br\/><br\/>The third is \u2018I am valuable\u2019 \u2013 letting those around you know that they are valuable simply because they exist. This is a fundamental need: to feel worthy regardless of circumstances or others\u2019 opinions. It provides inner strength and confidence, reminding us that our uniqueness and qualities matter, and that every person is priceless by their very being.<br\/><br\/><br\/>The fourth is \u2018I dare\u2019 \u2013 being able to say what doesn\u2019t feel right while maintaining politeness and tact. It means having the ability to say \u201cno\u201d without hurting others, while respecting both your own and others\u2019 boundaries. These are the moments when a person reveals themselves, their limitations, and imperfections, and receives encouragement from others. To dare is to act courageously even when the outcome is uncertain\u2014opening doors to new opportunities and allowing us to discover our true potential. Only by daring can we step into the world with trust and faith in ourselves.\u201d                    <\/p>\n\n<p>According to J. Steponaitien\u0117, politeness is an essential part of human relationships. \u201cIt helps build respect, trust, and understanding between people. Politeness shows that we acknowledge and value others\u2019 feelings, opinions, and dignity. It is like a bridge that connects us with those around us, even when opinions differ. It is important to listen with our ears and to hear with our hearts. We must learn these basics from the cradle. It often takes so little\u2014when we are irritated, tired, or angry\u2014to choose peace instead of conflict, understanding instead of judgment, and a broader perspective instead of narrow views.\u201d      <\/p>\n\n<p>For all of us, a smooth start to the school year should begin with a delicious cup of coffee or cocoa, a piece of chocolate, and the awareness that we are all equally important, valuable, capable, and courageous. \u201cWe must understand the true worth of politeness, because nothing is more valuable than kindness. It reflects our ability to be empathetic and to show another person that we care. It is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a warmer and friendlier world\u2014one in which we can communicate and work together toward what we have set out to achieve,\u201d concludes J. Steponaitien\u0117.   <\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How do emotions, food, and a sense of community help create a smooth start to the school year? The \u201cErudito\u201d Lyceum Parents\u2019 Club, together with chef Gian Luca Demarco, explores the connection between taste and feelings, while teacher Jurgita Steponaitien\u0117 reminds us that respect, kindness, and four essential needs are the key to a strong community. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2500,"template":"","categories":[96],"class_list":["post-3630","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-experts-share"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Successful Start at School: Gian Luca Demarco Says That Food Can Also Help Ease Adaptation | erudito<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/erudito.lt\/en\/naujienos\/successful-start-at-school-gian-luca-demarco-says-that-food-can-also-help-ease-adaptation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Successful Start at School: Gian Luca Demarco Says That Food Can Also Help Ease Adaptation | erudito\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How do emotions, food, and a sense of community help create a smooth start to the school year? 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