Our Kids - healthy diets and healthy minds

No matter who becomes the expert, the basic tips for managing children's weight is the same - a healthy diet and exercise. Undoubtedly, a proper diet is a key element, but many parents do not realize is how a child's diet affects not only your body but your mind. Studies have linked diets high in fat diminished mental alertness, affecting skills such as attention and memory. This can directly affect your ability to learn in school and their ability to function positively in the home.

Foods high in sugar, for example, can give children the kind of energy boost that makes them act erratically. So what do you think happens when you eat cereals high in sugar for breakfast or eat sugary desserts and juices packed in lunch? Not to mention the snacks of crackers, chips and soft drinks tend to eat. What affects this type of diet have in their bodies and their brain function? Parents should pay more attention to what their children are eating because it can make all the difference between a healthy body and a healthy brain functioning.

Here are some tips to help your child in shape - body and mind.

Always eat breakfast - According to the American Dietetic Association, kids who eat breakfast are more likely to meet their daily nutritional needs, keep their weight under control and have lower levels of blood cholesterol.

Be selective about food choices - The good news is that often the same food that provides benefits for the brain also benefits the body. Here's a quick list of healthy brain food that can help control weight:

Oatmeal (no doubt one of the best selections!)
Bananas
Milk (low fat varieties treated as 2%)
Salmon
Tuna (mixed with low-fat mayonnaise)
Yogurt
Turkey
Oranges
Cantaloupe
Peas
Chicken (try grilled or baked)
Spinach

Other brain foods include: peanut butter, eggs, brown rice, lean meat, broccoli and eggs

Practice portion control - One step higher to a healthy mind and body control potion. It's obvious what you can overeat for the body, but also works in the brain negatively. Researchers (as reported in the journal Cell) are connected to overeating erratic brain function. Although the portion size is subjective, is a good way to start by monitoring the eating habits of your family (see next step).

Analyze your family's eating habits - You may have to overeat and / or fussy that make it difficult to plan meals. Here are some ideas:

OA:

or serve appropriate portions without a second portion
or no longer serve meals on the table - this may encourage more eating
or sip a glass of water before a meal
Pour or snacks in a bowl of cereal instead of eating straight from the bag
or buy a single serving snacks

Picky eaters:

or If you pack lunch for your child, ask them not to throw anything away. If they bring home their "junk" in his lunch box, you can get a clearer picture of what they are eating.
or Give them plenty of healthy snacks during the day and serving smaller portions at dinner. Large, formal meals may not be as palatable to them.
o Try to give them greater control over what they eat by letting them help plan your breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner.
or give nutritional shakes (usually a big hit with kids of all ages)

Maintain a good diet, healthy children off to a good start - but do not forget to exercise!