15 Brain Foods to Get Your Kids Ready for Studying
If you’re a parent you know just how important it is to keep your kid fueled with great, wholesome foods. Your child needs oodles of healthy goodies to help her body grow and maintain energy all day. She also needs to consume brain foods full of vitamins and minerals that will help keep her sharp and able to retain all those new lessons her teacher is introducing to her young mind. Luckily, there are a plethora of these yummy brain foods you can feed your little one to ensure her brain stays clear, focused and ready to learn all day long.
Feed your kid healthy fats
Healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, can help the brain repair itself and grow additional neurons. Foods that are full of Omega-3s include:
1. Salmon
2. Albacore tuna
3. Flaxseed oil
4. Walnuts
5. Wheatgerm
6. Eggs
Breakfast brain booster: Healthy carbohydrates
A hearty breakfast full of healthy carbs can fuel the brain and help it think, act and learn better. Slower-burning carbs may help kids maintain their concentration and attention throughout the morning. Serve up:
7. Oats, or oatmeal
8. Bran cereals
9. Whole-wheat bagels
Smart lunches and brainy snacks
Whole grains for lunch will also give kids a healthy dose of fiber, which keeps tummies full longer. Whole grains also contain important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium and magnesium. Consider packing a lunch that contains:
10. Turkey (for protein), pita chips (for carbs) and hummus (for fat)
11. Sandwiches prepared of hearty whole-wheat breads (for fiber and folate)
After-school snacks are important for post-school day and pre-dinner studying. Feel good about feeding your kid:
12. Avocados (contains antioxidants)
13. Fruit, such as berries, plums, oranges, grapes, kiwis, and watermelon (contain antioxidants)
14. Bean dip served with rustic, homemade, whole-wheat crackers (beans are full of iron, which can boost attention, memory retention and learning ability)
15. A mix of blueberries (for antioxidants), nuts (for healthy vitamins and omega-3 fat) and dark chocolate (for its ability to produce attention-boosting endorphins)
Resources
“Best Foods for Kids Brains,” Prevention
“Top 10 Back-to-School Brain Foods,” Mashable.com
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