Enjoy Eating: Developing Healthy Nutritional Patterns for Kids Aged 6-12
Recommended Books
- “Eat Like a Champion: Performance Nutrition for Your Young Athlete” by Jill Castle, MS, RDN
Synopsis: This book offers practical guidance on nourishing young bodies for optimal performance, supporting parents in providing nutritious meals and snacks to fuel their child’s active lifestyle. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy] - “Healthy Kids Cookbook: 100% Kid-Approved Recipes for the Whole Family” by Nicole Aucoin, MS, RD
Synopsis: With kid-friendly recipes and nutritional tips, this book empowers parents to involve their children in cooking and make healthy eating enjoyable for the whole family. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy] - “The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs” by America’s Test Kitchen Kids
Synopsis: Featuring easy-to-follow recipes and cooking tips, this book fosters independence and culinary skills in children while promoting nutritious eating habits. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy] - “Brain Food: The Surprising Science of Eating for Cognitive Power” by Lisa Mosconi, PhD
Synopsis: Exploring the connection between nutrition and brain health, this book educates parents on nourishing their child’s developing brain for optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy] - “Plant-Based Cooking for Kids: A Plant-Based Family Cookbook with Over 70 Whole-Food, Plant-Based Recipes for Kids” by Faith Goimarac Ralphs
Synopsis: With a focus on wholesome, plant-based recipes, this book encourages families to prioritize health, mindfulness, and sustainability in their food choices. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy] - “Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater: A Parent’s Handbook: A Stage-by-Stage Guide to Setting Your Child on the Path to Adventurous Eating” by Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH, and Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP
Synopsis: Providing strategies for raising children with positive eating habits, this book equips parents with tools to navigate picky eating and foster a lifelong enjoyment of nutritious foods. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy] - “Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!)” by Deanna F. Cook
Synopsis: Through hands-on cooking activities and recipes tailored for kids, this book promotes kitchen confidence and encourages children to explore healthy, homemade meals alongside their parents. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Recommended Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 250-500 mg of EPA and DHA combined daily. [LINK]
Study 1: “Omega-3 Fatty Acid Treatment and TBI Outcomes” published in Neurocritical Care in 2018 by Lewis M. Flint et al.
Study 2: “Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Cognitive Performance in Mild Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial” published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2010 by Yvonne Freund-Levi et al. - Vitamin D: 600-1000 IU daily. [LINK]
Study 1: “Vitamin D Status and Neurological Outcomes in Children with Epilepsy” published in Pediatric Neurology in 2018 by Naima Ali et al.
Study 2: “Vitamin D and the Brain: Key Questions for Future Research” published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2015 by John J. McGrath et al. - Probiotics: Dosage varies by product; follow manufacturer’s instructions. [LINK]
Study 1: “The Effects of Probiotics on Mental Health and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Medical Students” published in Neurobiology of Stress in 2019 by Eunjin Noh et al.
Study 2: “The Impact of Gut Microbiota on Brain and Behavior: A Systematic Review” published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews in 2017 by Anouschka S. Ramsteijn et al. - Iron: 7-10 mg daily. [LINK]
Study 1: “Effects of Iron Supplementation on Neuropsychological Functioning in Infants and Young Children” published in Pediatrics in 2011 by Betsy Lozoff et al.
Study 2: “Effects of Iron Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Physical Performance among Adolescents in India” published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2009 by Sant-Rayn Pasricha et al. - Magnesium: 80-130 mg daily. [LINK]
Study 1: “The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress—A Systematic Review” published in Nutrients in 2017 by Jake Prendergast et al.
Study 2: “The Relation between Serum Magnesium Levels and the Incidence of Depression: A Longitudinal Cohort Study” published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2017 by Seo-Eun Cho et al. - Zinc: 5-10 mg daily. [LINK]
Study 1: “Zinc in the Central Nervous System: From Molecules to Behavior” published in Biochemical Pharmacology in 2014 by Bettina Banasr et al.
Helpful Websites
- ChooseMyPlate.gov – choosemyplate.org
Synopsis: Provides practical information and tips on balanced eating and portion control, tailored for families to help children develop healthy eating habits. - KidsHealth.org, – Kidshealth.org
Synopsis: Offers comprehensive resources on child nutrition, including meal planning, healthy recipes, and tips for encouraging kids to eat healthily. - CDC – Nutrition for Kids – www.cdc.org
Synopsis: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidelines and educational materials on healthy eating habits and physical activity for children. - EatRight.org (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) – eatright.org
Synopsis: Features a variety of articles, tips, and recipes specifically designed to help parents encourage healthy eating patterns in their children. - Nourish Interactive – nourishinteractive.com
Synopsis: Provides fun, interactive games and activities that teach children about nutrition and healthy eating in an engaging way. - SuperKids Nutrition – superkidsnutrition.com
Synopsis: Offers resources and tools for parents to educate their children about nutrition, including meal plans, snack ideas, and nutrition facts. - HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) – healthychildren.org
Synopsis: Provides expert advice on child nutrition, including healthy eating guidelines, recipes, and tips for creating a healthy home food environment.
Insightful TED Talks
- “What’s wrong with what we eat” by Mark Bittman
Synopsis: Mark Bittman explains the impact of our eating habits on health and the environment, encouraging parents, grandparents, and guardians to guide children aged 6 to 12 in making healthier, more sustainable food choices. - “Teach every child about food” by Jamie Oliver
Synopsis: Jamie Oliver advocates for better food education in schools and homes, empowering parents, grandparents, and guardians to instill healthy eating habits in children aged 6 to 12 for lifelong mind and body health. - “Why we all need to practice emotional first aid” by Guy Winch
Synopsis: Guy Winch highlights the importance of emotional health alongside physical health, helping parents, grandparents, and guardians support children aged 6 to 12 in understanding the connection between nutrition, emotions, and overall well-being. - “Raising Healthy Eaters” by Brett W. McFadden
Synopsis: Brett McFadden offers strategies for parents and caregivers to encourage children ages 6 to 12 to develop a positive relationship with food.. - “How to live to be 100+” by Dan Buettner
Synopsis: Dan Buettner shares lessons from the world’s longest-lived communities, offering parents, grandparents, and guardians valuable tips on fostering healthy eating patterns in children aged 6 to 12 for long-term mind and body health. - “Can we eat to starve cancer?” by William Li
Synopsis: William Li explores the concept of anti-angiogenic foods and their role in disease prevention, encouraging parents, grandparents, and guardians to incorporate cancer-fighting foods into the diets of children aged 6 to 12. - “Eat to Thrive” by Drew Ramsey
Synopsis: Drew Ramsey explores how food choices impact mental health and provides insights on nutrient-rich foods that support brain development with children aged 6 to 12.