Put Your Child on a Brain Strengthening Diet

As a parent, I've come to realize that not all diets are about weight loss. Even kids with great athletic builds can feel the effects of poor eating habits, like fatigue, anxiety, poor concentration, and mood swings. By creating a brain strengthening diet and eliminating unhelpful foods and snacks, we can help our children feel better each school day.

Here are some tips for fostering healthy eating habits:

1. Purge Unhealthy Foods: Start by clearing out the unhealthy foods from your home. Remove sodas, sugary snacks, and foods high in fat from your refrigerator and pantry. This way, your kids won't be tempted by these options.

2. Create a Healthy Menu Together: Involve your child in planning a healthy menu for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Sit down together and come up with at least five different nutritious meals for each. Let them choose what they want to eat each day from these options. Making this a fun activity—like designing a colorful menu with their meal choices and taking them grocery shopping to pick out ingredients—can help them feel more invested in sticking to healthier choices. If you're unsure how to create a balanced diet, consider doing some research online or consulting a licensed dietitian for advice on heart- and brain-healthy foods.

3. Lead by Example: Your children will notice if you're not practicing what you preach. If they see you eating unhealthy foods, they'll likely question the changes you're trying to implement. By leading by example and embracing healthy eating habits yourself, you not only support your children's health but also improve your own. This can be a great opportunity for the whole family to adopt a healthier lifestyle together!