Transforming Food Education with the "Portion Masters" Board Game
Transforming Food Education with the "Portion Masters" Board Game

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Transforming Food Education with the "Portion Masters" Board Game

During festive seasons or family reunions, grand feasts are always at the heart of the celebration, yet they often bring the burden of overindulgence. During these precious moments of togetherness, instead of letting the family stay glued to their phones, why not put down the screens and engage in a meaningful "Food Education" (Shiyu) experience with Portion Masters. This innovative board game is a joint collaboration between Ocean Thai (森态) and the National University of Malaysia (UKM).

Learning Through Play: Bringing Professional Nutrition to the Table

Portion Masters is a tool that combines fun and education, leading players through a "Balanced Diet Challenge". Co-developed by professional dietitians and nutritionists, the game transforms complex dietary guidelines into a lighthearted and engaging competitive experience. It is not only ideal for parents and children but also highly relevant for nutrition students, educators, and the general public.

Core Highlight: Visualizing "Food Portions"

While many health tips mention "one serving," it is often difficult for the public to visualize what that actually means. Portion Masters solves this pain point effectively:

  •  Visual Representation: The game uses common household units like cups and spoons to specifically display "one serving" or "half a serving," making it easy to understand at a glance.
  • Six Major Food Groups: By collecting cards for carbohydrates, proteins, dairy, vegetables, fruits, and water, players build a solid concept of food classification and correct intake.

  • Personalized Calorie Goals: Players can choose different calorie targets (such as 1500, 1800, or 2000 kcal) to learn how to plan a balanced meal according to specific needs.

Engaging Fun: A Reason to Put Down the Phone

As a board game designed for 2–4 players, Portion Masters offers high replay value. Players move their tokens and exchange "Point Cards" for "Food Cards," all while navigating the unpredictable twists brought by "Ability Cards" and "Event Cards". In a game session lasting approximately 45 minutes, family interaction replaces digital screens, helping children establish healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.