Brain Boosting Foods

Does your child have a hard time concentrating in school, getting through the day without an energy crash or just can’t seem to remember anything? Food could be your culprit. The wrong food, that is.

Whether it’s at breakfast, lunch or dinner, fueling your body with the right foods can make a huge difference in how you feel and behave. Children’s bodies are growing so rapidly, it’s imperative they get the energy they need to carry their brains and bodies throughout the day.

We all know how important it is for children to get the vitamins they need. But getting the right nutrients for brain function is just as important. Since many kids are notoriously picky eaters, we’ve created a list of some simple “brain-boosting” foods they’ll actually want to eat!

1. Oatmeal. A study at Tufts University found that kids who ate oatmeal had improved short-term memory and better focus. Once you decide how your child likes it best (with brown sugar, cinnamon, fruit, peanut butter…the list goes on), you can make this power-packed dish a staple in your home.

2. Blueberries. This “super fruit” has been shown to increase memory and brain function. Eat these berries in cereal, yogurt or by the handful. And you don’t have to wait until summer. Frozen berries are yummy and nutritious too. Just make sure you check the package; you want “no sugar added.”

3. Eggs. We all know eggs are protein packed, but they are also high in choline, which helps memory cell production. If your child doesn’t want to eat plain eggs, try making an omelet with cheese and other things they like mixed in.