Eating salty snacks, sugary sweets, and fast food embodies what being a kid is all about. A child’s metabolism works extremely fast and efficiently, but there’s a catch. As children learn more intensive subjects at school such as science or math, their diet could impact their success level. Foods that are high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats can adversely affect your ability to retain information, your critical thinking skills and even your mood. Providing your children with a diet that is rich in nutrients will help them attain their educational goals. Here are a few things to keep in mind while stopping at the grocery store to prepare your child’s meals.

Fish Are Food, Not Friends

While fish do make for great pets and Disney movies, we recommend that you pick up salmon and tuna the next time you visit the grocery store because of the tremendous benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids promote the production of brain cells which, in turn, will improve your child’s memory and their ability to retain information.

Blueberries are Berry Good for You

Blueberries are a natural source of antioxidants, which have been proven to alleviate physical and mental strain. The antioxidants that blueberries provide have been known to slow the aging of the brain. The best part about blueberries is that there are so many ways to prepare and eat them! Blueberries often come packaged in the frozen foods department in a mixed bag with blackberries and raspberries. For supplementary nutritional value, drizzle blueberries over Greek yogurt - which is a fantastic source of protein.

Brocc-N-Roll!

Broccoli will provide your child’s body with two very essential nutrients. Broccoli contains an abundance of Vitamin K which has shown to be beneficial to improving cognitive function. Broccoli is also a source of Choline which studies have shown helps to support memory. Broccoli also contains a high volume of folic acid which has been known to improve your overall mood by preventing feelings of anxiety and depression.

Bravocado!

The one criticism that avocados tend to receive is that they’re way too fatty to be healthy on their own; however, they contain an abundance of healthy fats which are good for you! Fatty acids found in avocados defend your brain’s nerve cells and bolster the overall strength of your brain. That’s not all that avocado fatty acids do for you; these fatty acids promote healthy blood flow and reduce your blood pressure.

When your child reaches elementary school, they’ve reached their formative years; these are the years where they begin forge habits that will follow them for the rest of their lives. You can set your child up on a track to success by providing them with a healthy diet. Purchasing the foods mentioned above will provide your child with vital nutrients that promote health, cognition, and mood. Ensure your kids consume a healthy amount of fish, blueberries, broccoli, and avocados to set them up for a successful math and language learning experience.