Who knew that certain foods can help build memory stem cells, improve mental skills, and promote better focus? Now that back-to-school season is upon us, we rounded up these top brain foods to keep your kids sharp for the school year.

Here at The Lunch MOB, many of the foods we prepare naturally incorporate superfoods. A few examples for the months of August and September include our Crunchy Fish Soft Tacos, Brown Rice & Bean Burrito, Cobb Salad, our famous “Good Morning” Breakfast Sandwich, Banana Oat Snack Bites, Mixed Berry and Yogurt Parfait, and BBQ Kale Chips.

Brain Foods to Add to Your Grocery List

Place these foods on rotation and help improve your child’s brain function, memory, and concentration:

Eggs – Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Eggs are a protein powerhouse, but did you know their yolks are rich in choline, which is vital for the creation of memory stem cells?

Fish – Fatty fish such as salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and are essential for brain growth and function. Research has shown that omega-3’s protect the brain from memory loss, improves mental skills, and promotes better focus.

Berries – Strawberries, cherries, blackberries, and blueberries boast high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C. As a rule of thumb, the more intense the color of the berry, the more nutrition it has.

Leafy Greens – Eating spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula and romaine lettuce are linked to lower odds of dementia later in life. They are full of nutrients like vitamin K, folate, and beta-carotene which are linked to slowing cognitive decline.

Milk & Yogurt – Dairy foods are an excellent source of protein and B-vitamins, which are essential for the growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes. They are also rich in calcium, which plays an important role in regulating our body’s energy.

Nuts & Seeds – Loaded with essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein, nuts help boost our moods and keep nervous systems in check. Peanut butter, for example, is a great source of vitamin E and thiamin, which helps the brain and nervous system use glucose for energy.

Beans – A fantastic source of protein, complex carbs, fiber, vitamins and minerals, beans keep energy levels high. Kidney and pinto beans, especially, are a great source of omega-3’s.

Oatmeal – Oats and oatmeal are an ideal source of brain fuel. Because they keep kids feeling fuller longer, they provide a nice, steady stream of energy to help children focus. A study even showed that kids who ate oatmeal performed better on memory-related school tasks than those who ate sugary cereal!

Now What?

Kids aren’t the only ones who can benefit from eating “brain foods.” Scientists have discovered that adults too can grow new brain cells throughout their lifetime. Sleep, exercise, adequate mental stimulation, and diet all play a role in sharpening the mind.

As a trusted school lunch provider, we can give your students (even staff) a fresher, more wholesome, and tastier hot lunch every day, hassle-free, while giving parents a heightened peace of mind knowing that healthier eating habits for their kids are being promoted. As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to ensure that our kids live a healthy lifestyle, and so, we made it our mission to create fresh meals that kids love, with the nutrition that kids need.

Please reach out to us if you’d like more information about our offering!