Can Better Nutrition Help Your Kids Learn?

They say breakfast is the most important meal, but good overall nutrition is the key to a healthy body and mind. When children are well-nourished, they have the fuel to perform at their peak.

Healthful food provides the needed nutrients to keep a child’s mind sharp, alert, and ready to learn. That’s why we must instill healthy eating habits into our kids. And the earlier we start, the better they’ll fare. Kids can learn to love wholesome foods if they don’t already.

Concentration

When kids are well-fed and have a steady stream of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals delivered all day long, they won’t get those nagging hunger pangs or headaches. This leads to better concentration on their schoolwork rather than being sidetracked by thoughts about their next snack or meal. They must regularly eat all day long rather than just one big meal, which could make them tired or too full. Most schools have lunch and snack time, which keeps that constant fuel stream flowing steadily.

Morning Meal

Before the school day starts, a well-balanced breakfast is critical, full of fresh fruit, whole-grain oats, protein, and healthy fat. Skip the juice and go for a piece of natural fruit instead. It is more filling and provides beneficial fiber. Too much sugar may feel energizing initially, but that crash will come by the time your kid gets to school.

Complex carbohydrates are essential, not simple sugars that provide little nutrition. Go for whole grain toast with eggs, a whole grain cereal or oatmeal with milk, or a yogurt and fruit smoothie with some veggies (like kale or spinach) slipped in for extra nutrition. You can’t even taste the greens! Many on-the-go breakfasts or protein bars are nutritious as well.

Mid-Day Lunch and Snacks

Pack your child a healthy lunch with veggies, whole grains, protein, and fat. Prepare a whole wheat wrap filled with tuna, turkey, or chicken and fresh veggies like spinach and peppers. If your child likes salad, prepare one in a takeaway container, and pack the salad dressing on the side so the salad doesn’t get soggy.

Hot soup packed in a Thermos is always delicious as well. An apple, pear, or some grapes make for a great snack, as does high-protein Greek yogurt, a granola bar, or string cheese with whole-grain crackers.

Learning Made Better

Kids are ready to face the day when they are well-fed and healthy. Their minds will be open for learning, and their bodies will be energized for all they need to take on throughout the day.

How do you make sure your child is well-nourished for optimal learning? What are some of their favorite foods?

For more info like this, please visit All My Children’s blogs.

By: Melissa A. Kay