Implementing the S.M.A.R.T. Framework in Preschool Nutrition Programs using AI-Generated Educational Materials

The Mediterranean diet is among the most extensively researched and renowned dietary patterns globally. It is characterized, among other food intakes, by high consumption of fruits. Low fruit and vegetables consumption in young children is a considerable health burden in developed countries worldwide. Preschool children are an ideal group for acquiring healthy eating habits, as this is when dietary and physical activity habits are shaped, potentially impacting lifelong health. In the present study a combination of the Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound (S.M.A.R.T.) model, as a new and innovative method, along with a guilt-free dietary model in preschool populations was implemented. The S.M.A.R.T. intervention aimed to increase daily fruit consumption during snack time at school using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Thirty-two preschool children participated in the intervention for a total of 10 weeks. The results of the present study revealed that fruit consumption rates during snack time at the preschool context were higher four and eight weeks after a specially designed program using the S.M.A.R.T. method, thus showing that the implementation of this method for nutrition programs in preschool settings, along with a guilt-free dietary model could bring beneficial effects for targeted educational interventions in the preschool.