TUNA AND SALMON -
Did you know the brain is 60% fat? Omega-3 fatty acids maximize the brain's ability to let other nutrients in. Pack omega-3-rich sandwiches of tuna or salmon salad, add fish to cold pasta salads, or throw tuna and light cream cheese into the food processor to make a healthy dip for veggies. (Calamity Hane: Creative Commons License)
- TUNA AND SALMON - Did you know the brain is 60% fat? Omega-3 fatty acids maximize the brain's ability to let other nutrients in. Pack omega-3-rich sandwiches of tuna or salmon salad, add fish to cold pasta salads, or throw tuna and light cream cheese into the food processor to make a healthy dip for veggies. (Calamity Hane: Creative Commons License)
- WATER - Water is essential to all of your body's workings, including your brain, which needs proper hydration to help float neurotransmitters to nerve endings. Dehydration diminishes brain functioning. Pack an extra bottle of water in your child's lunch, even if you're also packing juice. (Muffet: Creative Commons License)
- CRANBERRIES - Consumption of cranberries has been linked to memory improvement, as well as improvements in balance and coordination. Pack dried cranberries, or bake into low-sugar whole wheat desserts. (Wendy Copley: Creative Commons License)
- MINI CEREAL BOXES - Most cereals are fortified with iron, B vitamins, and folic acid --all important components of brain fuel. Look for cereals that are low in sugar. (Liquid Cross: Creative Commons License)
- STRAWBERRIES - Unlike the quick crash that follows a white sugar rush, the energy from the carbohydrates in fruit is released gradually. Research shows that people who consume strawberries have better motor skills than those who don't, plus the berries have 70% of your daily C. (OhDearBarb: Creative Commons License)
- SPINACH - Rats fed spinach-based diets showed improved learning capacity. Use iron-rich spinach instead of lettuce on sandwiches for an easy lunchbox switcheroo. (VirtualErn/Creative Commons License)
- EGG YOLKS - Egg yolks contain choline, a component of the brain's molecules that govern brain function. Choline deficiency is linked to age-related mental decline. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs to pasta salads, or slice eggs to use as sandwich toppings. Whole eggs are also easy to pack. (Chotda: Creative Commons License)
- AVOCADO - Avocados are also high in omega 3 fats and make a tasty addition to any sandwich, or mash avocados with lime juice as a dip for baked chips. (Niklas: Creative Commons License)
- WHOLE GRAINS - Complex carbohydrates like those found in whole grains contain folate and B vitamins that help improve memory function, and the fiber helps keep energy levels humming along. Check the labels to make sure you're using whole grain sandwich bread, and pack whole wheat crackers for snacking. (ILoveMods/Creative Commons License)
- KIDNEY BEANS - Kidney beans are a rich source of thiamin, which is necessary for brain function, and inositol, which may help improve symptoms of depression. Pack a thermos of chili, mash up a bean dip for baked chips, or toss beans into a pasta salad. (Grand Grrl/Creative Commons License)
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