What mom isn’t looking for ways to get her kids to focus their attention, particularly when it comes to school and homework? By giving your kids more of these 10 foods, you can do just that!
- Blueberries
- The antioxidants in blueberries actually stimulate blood and oxygen to the brain, right where you want it!
- I love to put blueberries in our morning smoothie.
- Studies have found that diets rich in blueberries actually enhance short-term memory, which of course, is critical to focus.
- Try a little yogurt with my homemade granola recipe topped with some juicy blueberries.
- If that’s enough, studies have found that blueberries enhance learning function in rats…I’ll let you draw the parallels between rats and kids yourselves 😉
- Flax Seeds
- Flax seeds have magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, and fiber. All of which improve mental clarity and focus.
- Flax seed is a really common ingredient in many of my smoothies. I also love throwing some in pancakes.
- For school lunch you can also sprinkle some on top of yogurt!
- Water
- I know this sounds a little bit boring, but I have talked a lot about how important hydration is.
- It’s not just important on the sports field.
- It’s a critical part of giving your kid’s brain energy for functions like memory.
- Try spa water to get a little bit more creative and interesting for your kids
- Dark Chocolate
- Your kids may be a little bit more excited about this one!
- Dark chocolate stimulates endorphins and seratonin to improve mood.
- Dark chocolate also has magnesium which is an awesome de-stresser. Feel free to sneak a little bit into your kid’s lunch as a treat.
- Leafy Green Veggies
- Think kale, romaine, etc.
- Leafy green vegetables are full of antioxidants and keratinoids which boost your brain function.
- They also have a ton of B-vitamins which help with memory and focus. Additionally, they have folic acid which improves mental clarity.
- Salads or buddha bowls are great for packing in the greens.
- Avocados
- Not only are avocados packed with fiber to keep your kids fuller longer, but they also increase blood flow to all the organs.
- Avocados also have vitamin-K and folate, which help improve memory and concentration
- So start your day with avocado toast and end your day with some avocado pasta!
- Salmon
- Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for memory and mental performance.
- Salmon has also been shown to improve your mood, which is why adults take fish oil pills!
- Since your kids aren’t likely to want to swallow those, try some maple roasted salmon.
- Walnuts
- Eating a handful of walnuts a day can improve your cognitive health
- They’re high in antioxidants and rich in amino acids that help you focus
- They look like brains! So that’s got to mean something.
- Eggs
- Egg muffins are a simple way to start your day
- You might consider packing a hard-boiled egg in your kid’s lunch – you will want the whole egg cause the yolk is the richest source of the B-complex vitamin coline which is associated with better neurological function.
- Turmeric
- This root is very trendy right now and is immune-boosting and increases the brain’s oxygen intake which helps with alertness and the ability to process information.
- Check out my golden milk latte or sprinkle some in your smoothie or even on top of oven-roasted veggies.
