3 Brain-Boosting Snacks for School
- pioneergirl94
- Sep 15, 2023
- 2 min read
Improve your mood with these quick child-friendly school snack ideas.
Are you looking for some ways to support your child's (or your own) mental health during the back to school season? Did you know that food can have a big impact on your mood and cognitive function? The gut is often called the 'second brain' due to it's ability to impact the brain through the nervous system. Keep reading to learn how you can support your 'second brain' with 3 easy child friendly snack ideas for school.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
This is the next best thing to cookie dough to satisfy a sweet tooth! Chickpeas are a great source of protein which is important to keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. Blood sugar fluctuations often directly effect cognitive function, mood, and focus in the classroom. Including protein with your snacks to stabilize your blood sugar levels can help reduce anxiety, increase energy and reduce brain fog. This recipe can be made dairy free by substituting dairy free chocolate chips and milk. If you want to make it nut free, try using tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Apples and Sunflower Seed Butter
When I need a quick and easy snack idea, apples are my go to. Top apple slices with sunflower seed butter for an easy allergy friendly lunch box snack. Apples promote healthy digestion as they are high in soluble fiber which is a food source for the good gut bacteria. We want to keep these good guys happy as they are responsible for producing 95 percent of the body's supply of serotonin, which influences both mood and intestinal function.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are an easy snack to prep the night before. They make a great breakfast or can go in the lunchbox for a snack later in the day. Topping ideas are endless so feel free to be creative! Fresh fruit such as blueberries and chia seeds is one of my favourite combos. Chia seeds are high in omega 3 fatty acids which help our brains sharp, improving concentration and memory.
Don't forget a healthy 'head brain' starts with a healthy 'gut brain'! Including snacks that contain protein, fibre and healthy fats will help support your child's (or your own) mental health for a smooth transition back to school.
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