When people think of learning, they are so focused on what goes in the brain that they forget that what goes in the mouth is just as important!
How can a student, much less anyone, function to an optimal level without the right type of fuel?
Many parents express a concern over a student’s lack of focus or attention; that he or she is always tired. Well, before assuming the worst, let’s think about diet.
First, let’s recognize that running a household is difficult, and there never seems to be enough time. Therefore, sometimes, feeding ourselves is properly falls to the wayside. We start turning to prepared or packaged foods. They help save us time, but they are often filled with preservatives and sodium and are extremely processed. When foods are eaten in that form, there is almost no nutrients left. Do not be fooled by the numbers in the “Ingredients” or if it says “natural” or “less sodium”; if it comes in a box or bag and contains more than one ingredient, it is not natural or pure.
In order to perform at our best, we need to fill our bodies with the proper food to get a steady stream of energy. Unfortunately, that does not come from pre-packaged anything. We need to eat foods in a state closest to their original form. For example, fruits and vegetables raw or cooked alone with seasoning (which is not always salt). That does not mean “no carbs”, “vegan”, or “vegetarian”. That means “no empty carbs”. If you are going to cook rice or potatoes for dinner, try sweet potato or yam or quinoa or purple or brown rice. The difference is that the foods that are less refined and are closest to their original state are lower on the GLYCEMIC INDEX or GI. Foods that are low on the GI will not spike blood sugar, therefore, maintaining a steady stream of energy throughout the day. A piece of white bread is higher glycemic that a teaspoon of what sugar. Students with a good amount of energy can stay alert and focused and have what they need to perform optimally.
Not only will eating lower on the GI help a student function on a high level, but it will also help him or her to prevent conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. It will also help him or her prevent obesity and maintain a clear complexion. As much as the mind needs to be fed, so does the brain. Proper nutrients will help the brain and body develop property. Often, we think that we are just feeding our bodies, excluding the brain as part of that. It all functions and uses nutrients together.
Thus, there are a few simple solutions. Eat fresh. It is easier than you thing. TRAIN THE MIND AND THE BODY WILL FOLLOW. If you choose vegetables over chips or fruit over candy, then soon it will just be a habit. You will not even think about it. IT takes 21 days to form a habit; good or bad. Cutting up produce will not seem like such a hassle. Cooking meats and fish in their own oils will seem just as tasty as smothering them with bread crumbs or sauces. Choosing a salad for lunch and packing the kids the same thing will be a staple in the household. Make your own salad dressings and sauces. Try to eat a portion of produce from every colour of the rainbow every day. Not only will you be leading by example, but you will be instilling a healthy lifestyle at an early age; you are teaching your children how to be healthy for a lifetime. If it is a lot of work for you, kids can help! Learning how to prepare food is something important for a lifetime, too, especially if someone wants to be healthy.
Again, this is all nice and fine in theory. Is it possible to get all the servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy every day? Not always. In fact, almost never. We don’t really have time to cook and that means we don’t really have time to eat. We can’t be eating all day. 1) We are full. 2) We have things to do. 3) We are watching our waistlines. Then, how do we get what we need? Vitamins!
How do you pick the right brand? There are so many at the supermarket. First of all, a good rule of thumb: if a vitamin looks like and tastes like candy….then it is likely pretty close to candy. That isn’t going to help. The price of the vitamin is often, but not always a good indicator of the quality of the vitamin. For example, if you are getting 3 month’s worth for $12, then you are buying a “lemon”. If you are paying around $17-$35 for a vitamin per month, you’re likely getting a “Ferrari”. There are also many 3rd party guides on nutritional supplements that can help you decide. Ask us. We can educate you.
Now, how does Think Out Here fit into the equation? Well, we are definitely not conventional tutors. We don’t just teach math, science, English/ESL and social studies. Think Out Here’s tutor’s have expertise elsewhere, too! If you contact us, you can ask us questions about health and nutrition and how it impacts learning and brain development. We can share some great meal ideas and ways to get kids to eat a variety of different foods. We can consult on health education, which will benefit students do better in school.
With the proper education about their bodies and the proper education for their minds, they can perform at an optimal level and have habits that will promote a healthy lifestyle for a lifetime.
Think Out Here can provide information, tutoring, or consulting.
