Fuel for Learning

Kids are in school for most of their day, 180 days a year and 1/3 of their day. That is really their "job" for many years of their life. Homeschool kids, for the most part, have to "attend" the same amount of days but may spend fewer hours per day doing school work. Giving all kids proper nutrition that fuels their body for learning, energy and helping them stay well is important. As parents, we can give them foods that fuel cognition, focus and memory.

Whether your kids go to public school, or learn at home, we often need some quick and nutritious meals to put on the table each morning and need attractive ideas for lunch too! This post will be divided into two parts so I can cover this subject a little more in depth. 

In addition to the foods I will mention, I suggest a good quality Omega Fatty Acid supplement, and minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc. There are studies which show that deficiencies in these nutrients can effect learning and behavior.  Check out the info about these supplements and learning here and here

But really, One of the most important things, I really can't stress it enough, is to NOT let your child go without breakfast. You simply can't argue with the benefits of a good breakfast every day before your child sets out for a day filled with learning, stress, physical activity and more! This study by the National Institutes of Health backs up the benefits of a good breakfast every morning before sending your student off to learn!  This is also important for the child who learns at home as well.   

So, what should you feed your child, or children, for breakfast? I'm glad you asked, there are several tasty options!

 ~Oatmeal is a great choice for a good start to the day.  It contains plenty of fiber which promotes good gut health.  It also digests slowly and does contain some protein.   Protein is necessary for growth and energy.  I add an extra boost of protein to my kid's oatmeal with Young Living Essential Oils Pure Protein Complete.  It comes in two delicious flavors:  Vanilla Spice and Chocolate.  My kids love both of these! (It also makes a great quick breakfast for me too!)  We love to use our Thieves or Cinnamon Vitality Essential Oils in our Oatmeal too;  It is so delicious! You can learn more about the nutrition content of Pure Protein Complete here 

~Eggs are another great choice for that first meal of the day.   They contain choline which is essential in helping your child's brain make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for memory recall.  Eggs are also rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, plus Vitamins B-12 and D which are imperative for cognitive power! Serve up a couple of eggs the way your child likes them best along with some whole grain, sprouted bread (or a gluten free bread) topped with a nut butter and your child is ready for the day! 

~Smoothies are a fast way to get some excellent nutrition and make it easy for the body to assimilate those nutrients.   You can mix and go!  Be sure to include a good quality protein powder (Like the Pure Protein Complete) and you can add other options like fruits and veggies for even more nutritional boosting! Smoothies make it easy to hide some nutrient dense foods like spinach, kale, beets, chard and other greens.  

~Protein Packed Pancakes or Muffins are another fast, on the go breakfast option.   You can make these ahead of time in a big batch, then freeze for later.  Here's a recipe using the Pure Protein Complete Vanilla Spice for some yummy pancakes!  

2 scoops Pure Protein Complete Vanilla Spice
1 large, very ripe banana, mashed
1/8 tsp Cinnamon, or 2 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality Essential Oil
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
2 Large Eggs

Directions: 

1. Combine everything except the eggs into one bowl.  Set aside.  
   
   
2. You will need two bowls in order to separate the egg yolk from the egg white.   Do it carefully so none of the yolk gets into the egg whites. (It is important that your bowl or beaters don't have any oil, fat or yolks on them, or the egg whites won't form peaks. Soft peaks will barely holding their shape and will flop over immediately when the beaters are lifted.) Beat the egg whites on high for 2 minutes until they form soft peaks.  In the other bowl, beat the egg yolks together.  
   
   
   
3. Add the egg yolks to the rest of the ingredients and mix until smooth.  Then add  ⅓ of the egg white mixture and gently fold it in until roughly combined. Fold half of the remaining eggs whites in and then the last portion until everything is well combined.
   
   
4. Heat a skillet over low heat. Scoop ¼ c. of the mixture onto the skillet and cook for 60-90 seconds on each side.
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5. Serve immediately
   
   OPTIONAL: Top with dark chocolate chips, fresh fruit, or yogurt.
   
   Protein Packed Muffins:
   
   3 C Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats.  I like this brand 
   3 Scoops of Pure Protein Complete Vanilla Spice
   1 tsp baking powder
   1 tsp cinnamon or 2 drops Cinnamon Bark Vitality Essential Oil
   ​1/2 tsp Pink Salt.  I like this brand
   1 tsp Real Vanilla, I use this
   1 Large, ripe banana, mashed
   1/2 C Full fat, High protein,  plain Greek Yogurt
   2 T melted Coconut Oil
   1/4 C Raw Honey (find local if you can)
   1 C Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (Or Flax Milk, Coconut Milk would be ok as well)
   1 T Ground Flax seeds
   1 T Chia Seeds
   
   *Preheat oven to 350 degrees
   *Combine the Oats, Protein Powder, Baking Powder, Cinnamon and Sea Salt in a large bowl
   *In another bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla, banana, yogurt, melted coconut oil, honey and "milk".  
   *Add your wet ingredients to the dry and mix well 
   ​*Grease a muffin pan well OR use liners (my personal favorite because it means less clean up!) I use these 
   *Divide batter evenly into each muffin liner or cups
   *OPTIONAL: Top with chocolate chips, raisins, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans, etc.. 
   *Bake 15-20 minutes (insert a knife in center to see if done)
   *Let cool and enjoy!  **IF freezing, let cool completely before placing in freezer
   *Can be stored on counter for up to 5 days, just be sure container is airtight
   *Reheat at 250
   
   ​Next week, will be some nourishing lunches and after school snacks!