Your kid's brain may be starving. A recent research article notes
that "serving breakfast" is one of the eight most important
things parents can do to promote their children's school success.
It was found that students who come to school without breakfast are
at a major disadvantage, and perform less well academically than their
better-fed classmates.
As teenagers grow older, you will have less control over their
nutrition. They eat away from home more often and are increasingly
exposed to the different eating habits and attitudes of their friends.
However, you can still ensure that they get good nutrition at home.
For example, orange juice is rich in glucose. Glucose is what the
brain uses when it is thinking. A glass of orange juice in the morning
is a great breakfast supplement. Fruit, yogurt and any kind of nut
have been shown to be great foods to eat right before an exam.
Research also indicates that meals have an impact on study effectiveness.
Study sessions should be scheduled when energy levels peak. Digestion
takes blood away from the brain and uses it to break down the food
that has been consumed. Therefore, your teenager should eat far
enough in advance of study to ensure that digestion does not affect
the study process. Large meals, or hard-to-digest foods, are especially
to be avoided before an intensive study session.
Terry Small
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