Parents know that junk food like sweets or fast food can leave their children wanting, but did you know the food kids eat can have a tremendous impact on their learning potential? Hiring an online tutor may be needed to overcome school issues, but a healthy diet maximizes every minute your child spends studying. Get your kids on the road to success by serving tasty meals with brain-boosting benefits.

The Importance of Water

Water is an important element in keeping physically and mentally healthy, and staying hydrated is essential to maintaining healthy blood flow to the brain. Flavored water and nutrient-rich fruits and veggies present easy ways to reach your kids’ daily recommended water intake.

Most parents don’t realize when their kids are dehydrated, and it isn’t surprising. According to Eating Well, children between ages 4 and 8 need roughly 57 ounces of water a day, but by their teens, boys need 111 ounces a day. Older girls need 77 ounces.

Omega-3s

From staying focused to staving off depression, omega-3 fats keep your child’s brain functioning at maximum capacity. You can find omega-3s available by supplement, with children’s doses ranging from 400 – 500 mg per day, but they’re also found naturally in foods like chunk light tuna fish and walnuts. An especially helpful omega-3, DHA, is also a popular new additive in many pre-packaged snack foods.

Iron

According to WebMD, iron is used to transfer oxygen through the blood. Without enough of it, the body struggles with this necessary function, severely limiting energy levels and mental processes. Roughly 20 percent of women struggle with their iron levels due to menstruation, so it’s especially important for teen girls to maintain proper iron levels.

Iron supplements tend to have unpleasant side effects, and vitamins containing iron can be fatal if a child takes too many, so most doctors recommend that daily iron requirements be met through eating the right foods. Iron-rich ingredients include beef and chicken liver, clams and other mollusks, beef and turkey, chicken, tuna, salmon, halibut, and veal. Iron can also be found in pumpkin and sesame seeds, beans, lentils, and tofu.

Snacking during study time can be a distraction, so it’s important for a student to eat before meeting with an online tutor. A healthy diet keeps students extra prepared to focus and process information. Improving your meal plan is a perfect complement to encouraging your child’s scholastic success. For other helpful tips, visit GrowingStars.com.