Most parents can relate to the daily challenges of finding foods that their children will eat and enjoy. Perhaps our job as a parent is to serve and expose our children to a variety of healthy foods whether they choose to eat those foods or not. 

Taste buds do change.   
Toddlers and young children have more taste buds than adults (they decrease as we age). Children can taste the bitter, spicy and salty in foods that a parent may not which means that spinach and broccoli may taste bitter to a child.   

Allow children to take part in food preparations.   
Apart from touching a hot stove, boiling water or sharp knives there are many ways that children can be helpful in the kitchen.  Allowing children to take part in meal preparation is an important step in getting them to try new foods.

Your brain is 2% of your body weight yet uses 20% of the energy of your body.
Children’s brain health and emotional health affects every decision they make every moment of every day. When our children’s brains are nourished with whole foods they function at a very high level.

Nutrition is more important than we think when it comes to your child performing better at school and life. Below are some healthy foods to assist in your child’s brain growth, brain function, memory and concentration.

1. Alaskan Salmon 
Fatty fish like salmon are an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acids.  DHA and EPA are both found if fatty fish are essential for brain growth and function – especially DHA. The best sources of fatty fish that are high in omega-3’s oils are salmon, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. When purchasing fish in tins limit your amount and purchase in the health section of the store.  When choosing tuna look for “skypjack” as opposed to “albacore” which has more mercury.
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Lunch Idea: Instead of tuna sandwiches make salmon and mix with “real” mayonnaise, plain yogurt or avocados.  Add organic raisins, chopped celery and carrots. A wonderfully healthy bread is “Silver Hills” Squirrely.  It is sprouted, organic and children love the taste.  Always choose a bread that has at least 4 – 5 grams of fiber per slice.
 

How important is protein in our daily diet?
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are called the “macronutrients.” Carbohydrates fuel our bodies, fats nourish our hormone production and nervous system and protein is used in every single cell in our body.  Protein is critical for repairing and building muscle mass, supporting neurological and immune function, aiding in digestion, helping to balance hormones naturally and keeping our mood upbeat.
 
How much protein do athletes need?

It's iced tea... how bad can it be? Well, according to Dietitians of Canada, a can of iced tea can add as much as 8 teaspoons of sugar to your daily diet. For comparison, that's almost a whole Snickers bar!  So you think to yourself "I better opt for something healthier" as you grab a Vitamin Water off the shelf. After all, it's water with added vitamins, right? Think again. This 'healthy' option is just as sugary and it will take you 64 BURBPEES to burn off the excess calories. 

But it's not just your waist line that you should be worried about. The Heart and Stroke Foundation said that these sugar loaded drinks and excess sugar consumption are associated with heart disease and stroke. Yikes! 

So think twice before you reach for soda, sweetened fruit juice, sports drinks and yes, even vitamin waters. They contain empty calories and little or no nutritional value. Take care of your heart. Go for good old, traditional, dependable, water.