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Health Topics
How Eating Affects Learning
The Brain's Pantry
In order to increase a child’s success with learning, parents need to know
the ABCs of these guidelines:
- Acquire knowledge of nutrient-dense foods
- Add variety and fun to meal plans
- Balance nutrients throughout the entire day
- Be aware of your child’s age- and stage-appropriate needs
- Consistently provide easy to make and nutritious meals
- Create a healthy lifestyle for your family
The familiar USDA
Food Guide Pyramid is a visual example of what constitutes a healthy diet.
The pyramid itself is divided into many sections, one for each food group, having
the biggest section or food group at the bottom. The foods from the bottom section
should make up the largest part of your daily diet. Each compartment provides
an amount or serving size for the food group. These amounts are much too large
for children. Hence, the pyramid is geared to adults.
A food guide that takes children into account would more realistically contain
smaller portions and a section for treats or extras. Following is an example
of a Brain Food Pyramid developed with children in mind.
Brain Food Pyramid © 2004 Kelly Hammer
— Kelly Hammer and Vicki Caruana
Kelly Hammer is a pre-school teacher and the founder of Hammer Nutrition — Working
to Build Healthier Families. Vicki Caruana, former public school teacher and adjunct
professor, is now a writer and inspirational speaker who has made it her mission
to encourage teachers.
Last updated July 2004
Do you have thoughts, questions, advice on this topic? Post your stories and comments in the forum for other parents to respond to. Enter the forum now.
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