Eating well is good for our mental health as well as our physical health. The brain requires nutrients, just like our heart, lungs or muscles do. Long term, there are a number of foods that can help maximise the size and health of our brain, reducing the risk of brain related diseases including Alzheimer’s in later life. The benefits are endless and focussing on the foods we eat at a young age will only help lead to a healthier future for generations to come.

To help support your little ones develop at school it is a good idea to focus on including different “brain foods” in their diet. But which foods are particularly important to keep our brains happy and healthy? Try adding these to your staples:

Salmon- baked, grilled, fried, and barbecued - there’s so much you can do! We always include oily fish on our menu cycle to ensure your child gets the omega 3 they need for healthy brain development and function. You'll find salmon fish fingers, a cajun salmon wrap and a super salmon pasta on our menus! 

Avocado- warm, cold, in a dip, or smashed over some toast, avocados also contain omega 3!

Wholegrains- like everything else in your body, the brain cannot work without energy. Wholegrain carbohydrates, such as brown rice or pasta release energy slowly into our bloodstream, keeping us mentally alert throughout the day. Our menus feature wholegrain pastas in the amazing beef bolognese, veggie bolognese and the tomato neopolitan pasta.

Exercise- don’t forget that as well as a healthy diet, exercise helps to keep our brains sharp. Research suggests that regular exercise improves our cognitive function and helps us process information more effectively