Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performances!!

Do you properly plan your meals? Nutritionally, two things play a major role in children's ability to thrive in their day to day responsibilities. Real food that goes in, and food that is eliminated. The ability to stay focused, follow instructions, hold onto multiple step directions and be able to stay on task is highly dependent on nutrition.

Along with the other factors that play a role in cognitive challenges, NUTRITION IS HUGE. Have you ever heard your gut is called your second brain? It is true! Recent scientific findings have confirmed that there is a very strong link between the gut and the brain. If your gut is not functioning optimally it will negatively affect the brain. 

 Serotonin and melatonin have become buzz words lately. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, carries messages to the whole body. It plays several roles in the body, including influencing learning, memory, happiness and sleep. It is believed that lack of serotonin plays a role in depression, anxiety, mania and other health conditions.  95% of serotonin is produced in the gut and without it, the body cannot produce melatonin. The sleep hormone!!  Low serotonin, low melatonin, poor mood, poor sleep.....you get where I'm going. The gut-brain connection can not be overlooked!!  

 The first symptom of a struggle we often see is a disruption of the brain's ability to control thoughts, emotions and behavior, such as conditions like ADHD. It is possible that our executive function has been starved out, taken hostage, by 'foods" that lack what the body needs to thrive! 

The average American diet is highly processed and includes enormous amounts of sugar and other additives (many of which are banned in other countries). 

Paired with the increased use of antibiotics, our guts are left in a dire situation, which in turn, directly affects cognitive function. 

A diet rich in nutrition includes

• probiotic foods (rich in beneficial microbes that increase the immune system as well as help balance the gut flora)
• prebiotic foods (food for probiotics)
• good quality omega 3 fats
• a balance of macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, and proteins)
• in some cases, high quality supplements
• eliminating fast foods 
• decreasing processed foods
• increasing properly prepared whole foods
• decreasing screentime, especially video games. (I know, not a food, but I cant resist)