Woodstock students will be sitting down this week for the CRCT exam. Just like physical performance, mental tasks are also dependent on a healthy brain and body. Good nutritional habits are important to keep your body strong and your mind focused and alert. A healthy diet can make a remarkabledifference in your child’s test score. But not just any healthy diet; a diet rich in brain-boosting foods can really make a true difference in how your little one feels in the morning, sustains her energy throughout the school day and makes timely, accurate decisions during the test.
Breakfast: Children need protein
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| Protein |
throughout the day but especially in the morning to stay focused on test taking without the rumbling tummy as a distraction. Eggs provide a good source of morning protein as well as peanut butter, chicken and cheese. Bananas are a great addition to breakfast. They release energy slowly, allowing the body to stay alert and energized for a long time.
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| Complex Carbs |
Just as important as the protein, every body needs complex carbs for fuel. This fuel is what will power your child’s brain to recall memory, and think logically for the duration of the test. 100% whole wheat products such asbread, bagels and english muffins will do the trick perfectly. Remember: if it doesn’t say 100% Whole Wheat on the front of the package, it’s NOT whole wheat! Choose carefully!
Snacks: For snacking throughout the day, choose healthy fats like those
found in nuts, seeds (trail mix) or roasted veggies drizzled with olive oil. Protein bars such as Clif Bars or Luna Bars are wise decisions for on-the-go snacking. Iced Green Tea is a great choice for those water bottles during test time. This tea will help maintain a positive mental attitude, allowing for more confidence and less second guessing.
Lunch: Healthy fats including Omega 3 Fats help brain cells stay nourished which will improve memory and learning. The best Omega 3′s come from fresh fish such as herring and salmon. If your kids roll their eyes at a lunch packed with salmon then you are not alone! Supplementing a child’s diet with Omega 3 is essential whether it’s test time or not. I suggest Krill Oil or Tuna Oil which come in easy to swallow or chewable varieties for children. My favorite brands are Standard Process Tuna Omega and Dr. Mercola’s Kids Krill Oil. For lunch, pack a healthy green saladwith broccoli, berries, grilled chicken strips, and sliced egg with an olive oil based dressing. For young picky eaters, make it a sample tray with these foods and a hummus or other favorite dip on the side.
As parents, we do our best to give our children everything they need. Change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective. Take small steps now and after test time to add one healthy choice at a time to your family meals. Your children may not say ‘thank you for the salmon, Mom’, but they their brains will love it!
For More Information you may contact Ribley Family Chiropractic in Woodstock, Georgia. Supplemental products mentioned above are available at the Towne Lake location. Advice is always free!
