For nearly two decades, nutrition expert Luann Colombo of Littleton has been finding new ways to translate her knowledge of science and health into hands-on education. In addition to having authored a myriad of books and childrens games, Colombo has produced curriculums that were featured on the television show Bill Nye: The Science Guy.

Colombo also instructs workshops on maintaining good health, including Every Human Body Needs a Bit of Fat. The workshop, directed at teens and young adults, is about understanding the importance of maintaining healthy levels of fat. It is meant not only to increase knowledge and awareness of overall bodily health, but also to empower teens by dispelling negative myths about body fat. The workshop, most recently held in February at Lowell General Hospital, is planned for an April date to be determined.

Colombo spoke to the Independent about her work educating teens, and society at large, about nutrition and wellness.

Tell me about the work youve done to further education in science and wellness.

I write science books for kids; I have 42 published books. I managed the outreach program at Seattles Pacific Science Center, doing science education with teachers and students throughout Washington state. I now do nutrition education with individuals and in small and large venues on topics such as family nutrition, weight management, sport nutrition and, of course, on fat.

What do you love about it?

I subscribe to the interactive, hands-on approach to education. I love the ah-ha! moment of scientific discovery. The more senses people use in learning, the deeper and longer-lasting the learning. I also love empowering people to make healthy decisions about what, when and how much they eat.

Tell me specifically about the class Every Human Body for teens.

Fat has a bad rap. Its over-consumed, over-avoided and over-substituted. The invitation to the workshop says it all: This super-interactive and occasionally hilarious free workshop explores common myths about diet and disease, explains the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables and offers tips on healthy eating. A smidge of label-reading math reveals just how much sugar, salt and fat a typical teenager consumes in everyday foods, what types of foods are best, why colors matter and why every human body needs a bit of fat the right kind.

What are your goals with the class?

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Q&A with Littleton nutrition educator Luann Colombo