Healthy Food = Healthy Grades

Doctors now believe that the food we eat affects the brain significantly. Nutrition plays a key role in learning and behavior. With that thought in mind, healthy foods lead to healthy grades. Healthier food choices for children go hand in hand with improved behavior and learning ability. Whether an infant, toddler, or school age child, the foods they eat determine how well they learn and how well they behave.

Start the day with brain food!

So starting them off with a healthy, balanced breakfast is very important. The best choices for school aged children are breakfasts high in protein and carbs. Yogurt and oatmeal are great choices. These foods will result in better school behavior, improved attention, and higher grades. The best foods to incorporate into their diet are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, greens, nuts, and blueberries. Salmon, spinach, and berries are special brain boosting foods. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Research has shown that this is vital for brain function. It makes brain cell membranes more fluid which in turn allows for faster brain signal transmission. And therefore learning is faster and more information is absorbed and recalled.

What about supplements

If you want to give your child supplements, the only one you might have to give your child is Omega-3. And that is only if they just can’t stand to look at or smell fish, which may happen no matter what we try, there are always Omega-3 supplements. When buying the supplement make sure to buy mercury-free fish oil capsules or liquids that say they are for kids. If they can’t swallow the capsules or the liquid, put it in their food. Whatever it takes to keep them healthy.

Blueberries are high in Vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and fiber is important in preventing carbs from being released too quickly in the bloodstream. And that function keeps your kids happy by preventing mood swings. So incorporating more berries, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains is important in keeping them happy, healthy, and successful learners!

The interesting thing about improving your child’s diet is that school results are seen quickly. So the sooner you start, the sooner you will see improved & healthy grades!