Prepare “Brainy Snacks” for a Better School Day
In just a few days, the house will be filled with early morning alarms, Mom rushing in the kitchen and sleepy yawns at the breakfast table.
We’re just about ready to start another school year and it’s time to help the kids to not only buckle down on a good back-to-school routine but a healthy diet as well.
This year, let’s get creative when to comes to making lunches and healthy snacks. “Brain foods” will help your child perform better and will help keep behaviors in check as well. Pack these delicious foods for your child each day to help them be the healthiest and smartest student in the school.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are filled with vauable nutrients and contain powerful antioxidants that protect the body and brain from free radical damage They also contain antioxidants and a decent amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, Vitamin B2 and folate.
Blueberries
Blueberries are low in calories but high in nutrients and are known to help brain function and improve memory. They are known to lower blood pressure and are the kink of antioxident foods. Blueberries are about 85% water, and one cup contains just 84 calories, with 15 grams of carbs. This makes them an excellent source of much needed vital nutrients.
Eggs
Eggs are a very good source of high quality protein. More than half the protein of an egg is found in the egg white which has lower amounts of fat than the yolk. Eggs are rich sources of B12, selenium, Vitamin D, B6, zinc, iron, and copper. Egg yolks contain more calories and fat than egg whites. They are a source of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and lecithin.
Peanut Butter
Studies have found peanuts lower the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease and lowers the chances of getting Type 2 Diabetes. Peanut butter contains protein, Vitamin E, antioxidents, as well as potassium — which lowers the risk of high blood pressure. It also contains fiber for bowel health.
Avacados
Avacados are rich in vitamins and nutrients including Vitamin K which is essential for bone health. More potential health benefits include improving digestion, decreasing risk of depression and sadness, and protection against cancer.
Yogurt
Yogurt is yummy any time of day! It also provdes many health benefits for all ages. For example, yogurt has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, as well as help with weight management. Yogurt is also known for containing a lot of calcium, a mineral necessary for strong teeth and healthy bones.
Whole Grains
Children and people who eat whole grains have a reduced risk of getting chronic diseases. Grains are important sources of fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate and minerals iron, magnesium and selenium.
Oatmeal
Oats offer many health benefits including weight loss, a reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood sugar. Oatmeal contains a soluble fiber called beta-glucan that can help improve insulin response in the body. When it comes to brain food, oatmeal is at the top of the list of foods recommended. Oatmeal provides the glucose we need to fuel our bodies, but it spreads it out over a longer-period, as opposed to a short-term period other sugary foods provide.
