Kids headed back-to-school soon, I’ve come up with this roundup of healthy recipes for children that are good for the brain – Brain-Boosting foods that can help kids start the day off right, and them going throughout the day. Yes, that’s right – there are specific foods that are especially great for the brain – these foods contain nutrients which help improve and maintain focus, and improve brain health.
We’ve all heard that breakfast is an essential meal of the day, and it’s so true. If you feel about it, about 12 hours pass between your time you eat dinner and breakfast the following morning, so if your child skips breakfast, he’s missing out on a whole host of nutrients to obtain him through the morning. Research has revealed that kids who eat breakfast fare better academically and have fewer behavior problems than kids who skip breakfast. Is sensible doesn’t it? I know if I’m hungry, it’s difficult to focus on work, and it can make me crabby.
Brain health is equally as important for older kids and adults, and so i will be trying these healthy brain-boosting recipes for those my kids as well as myself. Although I wasn’t a big breakfast eater as a kid or teen, as a mom, I have been attempting to make sure my boys consume a healthy breakfast each morning, and can include as many brain-boosting foods as possible.
1. Blueberry-Maple Muffins
Whole-wheat flour and flaxseeds give these maple syrup-sweetened blueberry muffins a tasty, nutty flavor. Compared to a traditional form of the recipe, they have 4 times the dietary fiber and substitute healthful monounsaturated fat (canola oil) for saturated fats (butter).
2. Almond-Honey Power Bar
Ideal for breakfast on the go! Golden roasted nuts, seeds and oats are enveloped by flavorful almond butter during these delectably chewy, no-fuss energy bars. Unrefined turbinado sugar adds an in-depth caramelly undertone. Feel free to use light brown sugar instead. Bars stored at 70 degrees will be softer than those which are refrigerated.
Italians enjoy cornmeal or polenta in countless preparations. Polentina is really a creamier, porridge-like version, often served in the morning. An orange-infused dollop of tangy mascarpone cheese and yogurt is really a rich, delicious topping. But you can skip the mascarpone and double the amount yogurt to save calories. To help keep it quick, we use instant polenta or regular fine cornmeal. For those who have time, the recipe works with stone-ground cornmeal. It will take longer to prepare, 15 to 20 minutes, but will reward you with rich texture.
4. Chocolate Oatmeal
A bowl of oatmeal is an excellent,healthy breakfast for child of any age, however, many kids may complain it’s too boring or tasteless. Offer my Chocolate Oatmeal – it is a delectable take on the original, and that i bet the idea of “chocolate for breakfast” gets your children running to the kitchen! To create, prepare half a cup of oats with 1 cup water or skim milk, based on package directions. Stir in powered cocoa, a little sugar, and a dash of vanilla flavoring into the prepared oatmeal, after which top with your children’s favorite fruits like berries or half a sliced banana. This energy-boosting breakfast could keep them – and you – feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
5. Fruity Breakfast Milkshake
What kid doesn’t love a milkshake? This healthy version – is a fruit smoothie in disguise – comes complete with plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals, along with a shot of energizing protein. Inside a blender, combine 3/4 cup milk (use skim, soy, or almond milk), half a banana, a mug of frozen mixed berries, and three to 5 ice cubes. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour the Fruity Breakfast Milkshake right into a glass and slurp with a fun straw – or make use of a travel cup and straw for any quick and creamy on-the-go meal!
