How Can a Poor Diet Affect Learning?

Did you know that a poor diet can not only impact your child’s body, but it can also affect their brain power too? By ensuring that the brain is well nourished and hydrated, you can help to improve your child’s behaviour and their learning abilities.

Here are some great tips from St Catherine’s School on how to incorporate healthy eating into your family lifestyle and boost your child’s development…

Stay hydrated

It is crucial for your child’s well being and concentration levels, to keep them hydrated. Try to encourage your child to drink between six to eight glasses of water a day. Pack a reusable water bottle in their school bag so that they always have a drink close by. Even mild dehydration can have a negative impact on your child’s cognitive performance, motor skills and mood.

Eat regularly

When your child gets hungry you may notice a change in their behaviour. They may appear tired or irritable, or find it hard to concentrate. By encouraging your child to eat regularly and by choosing the right foods, such as vegetables, pasta or cereal, you can help to maintain both their energy and concentration levels. Try to avoid foods which cause their blood sugar levels to rapidly fluctuate, such as sweets and biscuits.

Don’t skip breakfast

Breakfast really is ‘the most important meal of the day’ when it comes to your child’s learning.

Start their day off with a healthy breakfast and they will feel the benefits, both in their mood and their memory. Try to choose foods that are rich in fibre and protein to help boost your child’s attention span for a full day at school.