Foods That Make Kids Happy and Smart

 

We all want our kids to eat a healthy balanced diet, but did you know that there are some foods and vital nutrients that actually increase your child’s happiness, health, and increase brain performance?

 

Kids need healthy brain foods every day in order to get their best grades, have the most energy, and be able to cope with all the other challenges of growing up.

 

In this blog post let’s look at some of the best foods that make kids happy and boost their brain development.

 

 

Foods That Make Kids Happy

 

Health and happiness are two things every parent wishes for their child and the right foods can play a big role in increasing both.

 

Healthy brain foods that make kids happy should be on the top of every parent’s radar. If your child is struggling to concentrate in school or at home, you might want to consider adding these foods into your child’s diet.

 

(This page may contain affiliate links you can read the full disclosure here)

 

Pineapple

 

Feed your child a healthy snack of chopped pineapple and boost their happiness levels. Pineapple is a great source of vitamin C and manganese, both minerals that contribute to better moods. Pineapple also contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, mood, and appetite.

 

Tofu

 

Tofu is another excellent food to keep your child happy. Made from soybeans, tofu contains tryptophan which is a protein that converts to serotonin.

 

What’s more, tofu is rich in calcium which helps build stronger bones in kids. Plus, it also contains iron and magnesium which boost energy levels and overall mood. Eating tofu is also an excellent source of vegetarian protein.

 

Vitamin D

 

There are 3 main ways to get vitamin D- through food, supplements, and sunlight. Below we will look into each of them.

 

Vitamin D From Foods

 

Foods rich in vitamin D such as tuna, egg yolk, and milk raise serotonin levels and help your child feel happier. The vitamin D in these foods also helps is body absorb more calcium which makes for stronger bones. Mushrooms are the best plant-based source of vitamin D.

 

Vitamin D From Supplements

 

To make sure your child is getting enough Vitamin D you can get some vitamin D supplements like these ones.

 

Vitamin D From The Sun

 

 

You can boost your child’s happiness by making sure they spend plenty of time outdoors! That’s right spending more time outdoors will make your kids happier! This is because when we are outside our bodies make Vitamin D in response to sunlight.

 

Vitamin D not only helps keeps bones healthy and strong but has also been shown to affect our mood.

 

Making sure your child spends at least 20 minutes outside daily is vital for good health. Vitamin D also aids brain development, so by spending lots of time outdoors you can keep your kids fit, healthy, happy, and boost their brain development.

 

Children who spend plenty of time in the fresh air outdoors also tend to sleep better thanks to all the Vitamin D.

 

It’s important to note that our bodies don’t store Vitamin D, therefore you will have to get outdoors with your kids every day!

 

Salmon

 

Eating salmon is a great way to boost your child’s mood. Salmon is a rich source of omega 3 which helps to boost serotonin. This in turn keeps depression at bay. Omega 3 also helps reduce the risk for mental health issues and makes it easier for kids to control their emotions while reducing feelings of stress.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help with overactive behavior, ADHD, and autism. Kids who regularly eat foods rich in Omega 3 Fish oil demonstrate better concentration which helps them stay focused.

 

Salmon is also an excellent food to keep your child’s brain healthy well into adulthood as it provides important nutrients for brain development such as vitamin D, B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.

 

Spinach

 

 

Add spinach to fruit smoothies to start your child’s day off in the right mood. Spinach contains folic acid which is needed to make serotonin, and this makes your child happy. Happiness also increases when you increase levels of vitamin C.

 

Brain Foods For Kids

 

Omega 3 Rich Foods

 

Salmon is probably one of the first foods you think of when you hear Omega 3 fatty acids, but this fatty acid can also be found in nuts, chia seeds, and even mangos! Making it super easy to incorporate into your child’s diet!

 

Omega 3 can help reduce inflammation of the brain and joints, enhance brain cells, and reduce stress! So regardless of how your kids get it, just make sure that they are getting it!

 

While most people tend to link Omega 3 to fish oils there are also plenty of plant-based sources of Omega 3.

 

Animal-Based Sources of Omega 3

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Cod Liver Oil
• Grass-Fed Beef
• Cheese
• Anchovies
• Eggs

 

 

Plant-Based Sources Omega 3

• Flax Seeds
• Chia Seeds
• Hemp Seeds
• Mustard Seeds
• Seaweed
• Beans
• Leafy Greens
• Winter Squash
• Berries
• Wild Rice
• Mangos
• Honeydew Melon

 

Foods Rich In Lutein

 

 

What to boost your child’s energy, brain development, and eye health? Make sure to feed them lots of food with Lutein!

 

Lutein, which is only produced in plants and vegetables, is a xanthophyll and a natural carotenoid (a pigment that turns things like egg yolks yellow).

 

Lutein a.k.a “the eye vitamin” is well known for its ability to prevent eye diseases and keep the eyes healthy. Eating foods high in lutein has also been shown to help brain development and enhance the mitochondria, a subunit within our cells that act like batteries to power them.

 

Great Foods Rich in Lutein are:

 

• Kale
• Basil
• Salad Greens
• Summer Squash
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Asparagus
• Green Peas
• Leeks
• Green Bean

 

Conclusion

 

The above foods and vitamins will help boost your child’s happiness but will also improve their health, and brain health. But that isn’t to say other nutrients aren’t important!

 

Your child should also eat foods rich in Vitamin C, Iron, Folate, Protein, Calcium, magnesium, healthy fats, and other vital nutrients in a healthy balanced diet.

 

While eating healthy foods is the best way to make sure your children get all the nutrients they need, these natural multivitamins are the perfect boost!

 

If you are concerned with your child’s diet or feel they are lacking certain nutrients, please consult your local physician.