When you're a kid, establishing and maintaining a healthy diet is not a major priority. Salty snacks, sweet treats and fast food tend to be the most popular food choices amongst elementary and high school-aged students. While these things may taste great, it is important to consider how diet affects a child’s overall health, including their mood, energy level, and their brain’s cognitive function. Getting children to eat a more nutritious and vitamin-rich diet may increase their ability to comprehend difficult school subjects. Here are a few things to consider cooking for your children:

Lots of Fish

Fish provide some of the finest nutrients available in a protein. Many fish, including salmon and tuna, provide omega-3 fatty acids which have been known to reinforce and replenish brain cells which contributes to a stronger and more efficient memory.

Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in health benefits. Most importantly, they are filled with antioxidants that work to relieve stress, which helps to reduce the speed at which your brain ages. These antioxidants have also been known to assemble within the brain which has been studied to improve the transmission of brain cells. A great way to eat them is over Greek yogurt (which is a tremendous source of protein) or on top of a sugar-free cereal.

Oranges

Oranges provide a bountiful amount of Vitamin C - so much that eating one medium-sized orange provides you with 100% of your daily dose! Vitamin C strengthens your brain and prevents mental fatigue and deceleration. Eating oranges will only make your brain stronger as you age which is imperative for cognitive function, especially into high school as you deal with more complex subjects.

Eggs

Eggs are a tremendous source of protein and vitamins such as B6 and B12. Eggs also possess a high quantity of choline, which produces acetylcholine - a chemical that helps balance your mood and improve your memory. The absolute best thing about eggs is the endless ways of preparing them. Whether you like them scrambled, poached, sunny side up, over easy or in the style of your favourite omelette, the vitamins and choline provided will supply added power to your brain!

How A Poor Diet Affects Brain Development

Eating foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat can be fine, if you consume them in moderation. However, eating healthy is sometimes easier said than done. It is much easier to run through the drive-thru and pick up a quick meal than it is to purchase healthy foods from the grocery store and prepare them yourself. Excess sugar consumption can impact your brain's ability to retain important information, impact your ability to learn, and dramatically impair your mood. Remember that the easiest way to invest in your child's future is by purchasing food that empowers their brain!