Feed their curious minds
Every time you give your child a cup of NESTLÉ® NESPRAY® FortiGrow™, along with a balanced meal or snack, you are giving them the nutritional support they need for healthy brain development, which is essential for them reaching their full potential. Here’s a healthy fun fact: Your child’s brain grows at a rapid rate, so much so that it reaches 80% of its adult weight by the time they are just two years old! So as we speak, you are currently nurturing a brain that’s ready to absorb, learn and, of course, keep growing to its fullest potential. But if you’re asking yourself, “How do I further support my growing child’s brain development?”, we’re here to let you know that you’re already doing it just by asking the question. A more direct answer to this question is to simply remember that their brain is an organ, much like their stomachs. The brain is actually a very hungry organ. Yes, the brain is the first organ to absorb nutrients from the food your child eats! This must be the fact that influenced the phrase “You are what you eat”.
So, what are some brain foods you should start incorporating into your child’s diet to feed their growing, curious minds?
EGGS
The perfect element to the most important meal of the day is loaded with nutrients like choline, vitamins B12, protein and selenium. Eggs are critical for brain development and cognitive function. In fact, just two whole eggs provide 294 grams of choline – which covers 100% of choline needs for children aged one to eight years old and 75% of choline needs for children and teens aged nine to thirteen.
Breakfast idea: Omelette
Lunch: Egg and mayo sandwich
Snack: Boiled egg with crackers
GREEK YOGHURT
From snacks to lunch and breakfast – there isn’t a meal occasion yoghurt can’t fix. Serve it with some fruit or mix it up in a smoothie. This yummy snack helps in supporting your child’s microbiome development.
Breakfast idea: Smoothie
Lunch: Butter chicken and rice
Snack: Fruit and Greek yoghurt dip
OATS
From carbohydrates, fibre, iron, zinc, potassium and protein to vitamins E and B, there is nothing a delicious bowl of oats won’t give your little one’s growing mind. Maybe that’s why it’s a breakfast fan favourite in every household.
Breakfast idea: Blueberry overnight oat bowl
Lunch: Date and oats muffin
Snack: Granola bar
FISH
Yep, something is a little fishy, but this time it’s a good thing. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are also beneficial in lifting your little one’s mood.
Lunch: Tuna sandwich
Snack: Fishcakes
Supper: Roasted salmon
BEANS
Beans are truly magical! They are packed with B vitamins and are a source of carbohydrates and fibre.
Breakfast: English breakfast
Lunch: Bean soup
Supper: Stamp and beans with stew
BROCCOLI
While it might take a bit of creativity and convincing to get your children eating this tree-shaped vegetable, rest assured that your efforts are completely worth it. Broccoli is packed with antioxidants that protect the body and brain against diseases and stress.
Lunch: Broccoli salad
Snack: Broccoli sticks
Supper: Broccoli stir-fry with chicken
ORANGES
This is everyone’s favourite juice flavour and source of vitamin C. This fruit is rich in flavonoids that help increase nerve activity and blood flow to the brain which could boost cognitive function.
Breakfast: A glass of orange juice
Lunch: Smoothie
Snack: Orange slices
NUTS AND SEEDS
Highly nutritious and packed with vitamin E, zinc, iron and protein, nuts help the brain and nervous system use glucose for energy.
Breakfast: Granola
Lunch: Peanut butter sandwich
Snack: Homemade mini peanut and seed cups
CHEESE
Yes, put a smile on your face! This dairy-based product is rich in protein and is a good source of vitamins B12 and calcium. Plus, it pairs perfectly with almost anything you have in the fridge.
Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich
Snack: Cheese and grapes
Supper: Macaroni and cheese
With all this yumminess that’s good for their brain development, the bottom line is to ensure they get a balanced, healthy diet to help your child’s body and mind function optimally.
The best way to ensure your child’s meals give them all the goodness they need, incorporate:
• At least 4 different colours on the plate.
• Starch.
• Meat.
• Portion control.
• Hydration.
SOURCES:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/brain-foods-for-children
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-snacks-for-kids#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brain-food-for-kids#summary
https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler-nutrition/brain-food-for-kids.aspx
https://www.healthxchange.sg/children/food-nutrition/top-ten-foods-childs-brain-development
https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/kids_brain_foods
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/what_is_the_best_brain_food_for_kids/article_em.htm