Hearty meals make for hearty minds

INDIANA (WLFI) - Having balanced, fulfilling meals can do wonders for your child’s academic life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eating a healthy breakfast is associated with improved cognitive function (especially memory), reduced absenteeism and improved mood.

Furthermore, KidsHealth.org says a nutritious lunch furthers the positive effects that come from eating a good breakfast.

Unfortunately, most young people are not following the recommendations set forth in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Schools are in a unique position to promote healthy eating and help ensure appropriate food and nutrient intake among students.

Schools provide students with opportunities to consume an array of foods and beverages throughout the school day and enable students to learn about and practice healthy eating behaviors.

According to KidsHealth.org, schools should ensure that only nutritious and appealing foods and beverages are provided in school cafeterias, vending machines, snack bars, school stores and other venues that offer food and beverages to students.

In addition, nutrition education should be part of a comprehensive school health education curriculum.