At Watch Me Shine, we strive to provide an environment in which children thrive. From our Bangor ME daycare and preschool to personalized family counseling, we hope to nurture our students and develop them into well rounded, healthy individuals. And that includes nutrition. Since the majority of our population is very young, we focus on foods that help develop our bodies and provide nutrition that is vital for growth.
Berries
A variety of berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, contain high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the brain from free radicals and can help improve memory. Berries also have lots of Vitamin C to help little immune systems stay healthy!
Spinach
Even though getting a picky toddler to eat anything green may be a challenge, it’s well worth the effort. Spinach, like berries, has high levels of antioxidants. Additionally, it contains folate, which helps in all-around brain development. Try mixing some into macaroni and cheese! The teachers here at our Bangor, ME daycare love spinach!
Eggs
A long-standing breakfast staple, eggs can provide valuable nutrition to a growing brain. Aside from being a perfect protein boost, a single egg has 25% of the daily recommended value of choline. Choline is a nutrient that has been known to help strengthen neural pathways – improving memory. Considering how many different ways you can serve eggs, they are an easy way to support growing brains.
Beans, Nuts, & Seeds
Brains, especially growing ones, need a steady supply of healthy fats to function. Foods high in omega three fatty acids can help improve memory and reduce inflammation in the brain. Try throwing some walnuts or sunflower seeds in your next batch of trail mix, or mix some beans with rice for a nutritious lunch.
Whole Grain Pasta
This is an easy one – what kid doesn’t like pasta? Whole grain foods rich in complex carbohydrates are essential to your little munchkin’s health. Just like growing muscles and bones, brains need fuel to build. A balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates gives the body exactly what it needs to grow big and strong!
Here at Watch Me Shine, a Bangor ME daycare, we encourage families to teach children the value of their health, and how a balanced diet can help them look and feel their best. Give us a call at (207) 990-0162 if you have any questions about our wide variety of programs and services.
