Amid increasing awareness of Malaysians’ nutritional habits, The Nurts is introducing ‘Happy Diners’, a card game designed to instil the fundamentals of balanced meals in a fun and engaging way, promoting lifelong healthy eating habits in both children and adults.
Recent insights from the Ministry of Health highlight the importance of early and effective nutrition education in shaping a healthier future. Media reports have also shown that children are not getting the right kind of nutrition with Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni sharing that some 29.7% of kids between zero and four years old had, or are currently suffering, from stunting due to a lack of proper nutrition.
Targeted at players aged 4 and up, the game challenges participants to create the highest-rated balanced meals each round, all while teaching important concepts about nutrition.
“The Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM) has long advocated for comprehensive and engaging nutrition education,” said Rachel Tan, Founder of The Nurts. “We’re proud that ‘Happy Diners’ aligns with NSM’s goals by offering an interactive tool that makes learning about balanced meals accessible and enjoyable for all ages. It’s not just a game; it’s a step towards healthier communities.”
“Many people, especially children, are unaware of the importance of balanced meals and how these choices impact their long-term health. Our goal is to make this knowledge accessible and enjoyable for all ages.”
The highly anticipated launch of ‘Happy Diners’ took place today at BookXcess Tropicana Gardens Mall, drawing an enthusiastic crowd eager to learn and engage with the latest educational card game from The Nurts.
The event featured a lively panel discussion, exciting game challenges for both kids and adults with prizes up for grabs, and interactive booths that brought the importance of balanced nutrition to life.
BookXcess is excited to support the launch of “Happy Diners” by The Nurts , an innovative approach that aims to transform how children perceive and approach balanced meals, making healthy eating choices that are both engaging and accessible.
Learning Through Play: The Core of ‘Happy Diners’ by The Nurts
The game, created by Adrian Tan, a Malaysian father of three, features food cards representing various vegetables, carbohydrates, and proteins. Players must balance these components while also considering the impact of food preparation methods on nutritional value.
“Steamed or fried? Baked or boiled? It’s incredible how much nutrient content changes based on preparation, and understanding this is crucial. By incorporating research-backed nutritional information into gameplay, we’re happy to support making nutrition education fun and memorable. We are also pleased to collaborate with a professional to ensure that all the nutritional value in the cards were accurately represented,” Tan explained.
Certified nutritionist, Jessica Ong, who has a decade of experience specialising in nutrition for fitness training, also lent her expert advice during the game’s creation stage.
“Happy Diners is a great step forward in helping children broaden their understanding of different food groups and the impact of properly balanced meals,” she said.
“What’s meant to be balanced meals and good nutrition are different for each kid. They have to start learning from young so they know their bodies better,” added Ong.
Happy Diners is available for purchase at selected BookXcess outlets in the Klang Valley, including Tropicana Gardens Mall, The Starling, Pavilion KL, and Rex KL. The game is also available through The Nurts’ online platforms by visiting www.thenurts.com.