Get out of your school snack rut:

We’re halfway through the school year, and we know how hard it is to come up with lunch and snack ideas for your hungry little learners every single day. You may be at the point where you hear too often little Jimmy sadly crying out “oh no, not peanut butter and jelly, AGAIN!” We’ve been there too.

That’s where we come in. There are plenty of snack options out there, but sometimes it can be hard to find convenient snacks for kids that are both tasty and preservative free. So, what are the yummiest snacks that are healthy for kids, but also help their performance in school?

Here are just a few options of foods that will do just that!

Sunflower seeds- According to studies, Sunflower seeds are an ideal snack for all ages. They are full of folic acids, Vitamin E, and selenium which balance sugar levels in the body aiding in longer attention span and more energy. And since they are seeds, they are safe for “Nut-free classrooms” and great for sensitive young ones!

Oatmeal- Oats are an ideal breakfast and snack for kids and adults alike! Oatmeal is protein packed and rich in fiber, which aids in keeping heart and brain arteries clear and working properly. According to one study, children who ate oatmeal before school did better on memory related assignments than those kids who just ate sugary cereals. Because oatmeal is also full of Vitamins E, B, and zinc, it stimulates kid’s brains to work quickly and can improve learning capabilities.

Walnuts- Walnuts are fantastic for keeping your young ones awake and alert during the day, They have high levels of antioxidants, multiple vitamins as well as minerals that improve mental alertness and help you focus (Vitamin E, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, etc.). Studies have shown that just eating a few walnuts a day will help improve mental function and get you more clarity during the day.

Beans and Lentils- Beans and/or lentils are another perfect food for the little ones. Full of carbohydrates for energy as well as protein and fiber to keep the brain healthy and growing, a bowl of them will do wonders for sustaining focus and boost brain power throughout the day! There are plenty of ways to eat them as well: Soups, burritos, breakfast tacos, dips, or just plain!

Avocados- Avos are full of monounsaturated fats that result in healthy blood flow, making for a healthy and alert brain. The omega 3s and proteins also found in avocados also aid in brain functionality and heightened concentration, keeping your tiny humans full for longer and ready to learn! Spread it on toast, put it on a sandwich, or dip pita chips in it, there are so many options.