Nutrition as a factor for optimal learning

Published: 08 Jul 2022 Tagged: academic performanceanxietybalancecognitionconcentrationConfidence Wheeldepressiondieteating habitsfoodhealthintelligencelearning differenceslearning difficultieslearning disorderslearning stylesmemorymental healthnutritionschoolschoolsstudystudy habitsstudy plan

Food is a fundamental aspect in the development of children, not only because they provide the nutrients for survival, but they also are intrinsically connected to other factors such as mental health, mood and learning performance. Recent studies indicate depression as one of the possible consequences of an unhealthy diet, while a balanced and nutritious diet improve cognitive skills such as concentration and memory, as well as mental health, which impact on academic performance.

Five food groups must be part of the child’s healthy diet:

• Fruit
• Grains, cereals, nuts and seeds
• Lean meat, chicken, fish and eggs
• Milk, yoghurt, cheese and other dairy products
• Vegetables, legumes and beans

Some interesting actions can be made to encourage children to consume a healthier diet and therefore contribute to great performance at school:

• Have a healthy canteen menu ready or send your kids a nutritious meal.
• Ensure that water is always available throughout the school, and let kids to bring a water bottle to class. Children must be reminded by their parents to carry a water bottle with them at all times so they may stay hydrated.
• Plant a vegetable garden and serve your kids meals that contain the vegetables you raise.
• Plan "brain food" breaks for schools to promote kids eating fruit and vegetables in class.
• Use non-food incentives in the classroom or at home to encourage students to form wholesome associations between behaviour and eating.
• In order to provide the kids with lunches that are better and healthier, parents and teachers must have ongoing and successful dialogues regarding the kids' meals.
• Purchase fresh goods from nearby farmers' markets and food producers.

By following one or more of these tips above, you can contribute for a healthier diet of your children and thus improve chances of them to succeed at school and throughout their mental health continuum, seeing happy and better performing children.