Following multiple episodes of discussing Dr. Kashey’s Constructive Eater’s Hierarchy, it’s finally time to explore the “tippy top” - Novelty. Dr. Kashey defines food novelty as “the use of food as an instrument to improve your subjective well-being beyond the scope of your nutritional status." In light of the hierarchy, novelty sits atop getting enough food, creating structured feeding, balancing food groups, and trying a variety of foods. Instead of viewing food as merely practical energy, novelty allows us to explore and experiment and be creative with food. It’s exciting! Adults learning how to eat constructively mimics children first learning how to eat. Both parties have to experiment and practice abstract thinking skills in order to discover what works best for them. Food can be used as a tool or a toy, and Dr. Kashey will share the possible consequences of either.