 We’ve all heard it before and we understand why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When it comes to our teens, breakfast rarely seems like a priority. They sleep as late as possible, then fly out the door, maybe grabbing an energy bar (often sugar-laden, loaded with words we cannot pronounce.) If you strive to inspire your teen to eat a nourishing breakfast, you have come to the right place.
Eating a “Brainy Breakfast” is one of the priorities at Thrive Tutoring. We understand how challenging it is to ensure that your teens eat a healthy breakfast, let alone any breakfast at all! A “Brainy Breakfast” offers adolescents the essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and, most importantly, the critical omega-3 fatty acids for proper brain functioning, especially while their brains are still developing. Powering up the brain improves focus, concentration and memory. Studies show that breakfast eaters score higher on tests and perform better in the classroom than non-breakfast eaters. Low school performance correlates with a lack of protein for breakfast. Proper nutrition enhances neuron firing in the brain creating learning and essential neurotransmitters to feel calm, focused and motivated. Following are some of the foods that are ideal Brain Boosters:
Smoothies are quick and easy, so this is an ideal place for teens to start. They can add their favorite brain boosting foods that taste delicious to them. High fiber oatmeal, loaded with nuts, seeds, and fruit along with delicious almond flour muffins are grab and go options, so perfect for teens. The fiber slows down the absorption of glucose, offering a long steady flow of energy to the brain and body. One of our goals at Thrive Tutoring is to educate teens on why to choose brain boosting foods. We also engage the students in experimenting first-hand with how much better they feel when making wiser choices, while limiting their sugar consumption. In our sessions, they will make quick, simple, recipes such as energy balls and smoothies that they can easily do on their own at home. Recipes will be provided. Also, we inspire teens to plan ahead so they can eat small meals throughout the day for extended periods of focus, attention and energy. Fueling with fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and nut butters along with lean protein are ideal choices for sustained energy and glucose levels. We know the difference consuming a nourishing breakfast can make, so let’s model for our children. It’s never too late to help bring awareness to how much better they can feel and perform through proper brain boosting, nutrient-dense foods. Check out our Brainy Breakfast Recipes on Thrive Tutoring, a mind-body approach to helping teens thrive. |
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