Academic Performance & Diets

Dietary habits and nutritional consumption are growing concerns for parents of students in the United States. The rise of fast food chains and quick-fix meals offer parents convenient alternatives to providing well-balanced, nutritional meals for their children. Unfortunately, studies show that poor diet and nutrition cause malnutrition, obesity and poor academic performance. Because of this, educational facilities are increasing parent and student awareness about the importance of physical exercise and healthy diet to boost cognitive performance.

Nutrition and Academic Performance

• Healthy snacks make the body and brain smile.

  Students who consume foods high in carbohydrates and saturated fat gain calories, but this type of diet has only small quantities of vitamins and nutrients. Research conducted at UCLA shows that foods such as Omega-3 fatty acids enhance brain activity while saturated fats cause cognitive decline. Because of these findings, there is little surprise that research conducted by the Canadian Population Health Initiative indicates that students who eat well-balanced meals outperform those who lack nutritionally sound diets.

Government Regulations of Food Dispensation in Public Schools

• Candy and soda offer little nutritional value for growing minds and bodies.

  For decades, schools have allowed candy and soda dispensing machines in their buildings. But the increased awareness about the impact of poor nutrition, and statistics that show child obesity tripling between 1980 and 2008, have caused many jurisdictions to ban soda dispensing machines at public schools. However, the removal of sweets is only one step toward increasing student nutrition; regulation of nutritional values in school-prepared meals will also enhance academic performance.

Impacts of Breakfast on Academic Performance

• A healthy breakfast is the best way for the student to start her day.

  Breakfast is a student's most important meal. It provides energy and nutrients for optimal performance in morning classes. Without food, students become grouchy and lose the ability to focus on their studies. According to research conducted at Harvard University, students who experience hunger are more likely to score lower on tests, miss more classes and suffer psychological difficulties. Because of these findings, The U.S. Department of Agriculture has implemented a school breakfast program that provides financial assistance for students of low-income families to ensure access to school-prepared breakfasts.

Nutritional Guides for Academic Success

• Fresh ingredients provide nutrients manufactured by the sun and the earth.

  Creating a balanced menu for daily and weekly food consumption is a challenge, but the health benefits and increased academic performance are well worth the effort. Fresh ingredients, like vegetables and fruits, are loaded with nutrients that boost cognitive development. Variety is important in any diet. Choose vegetables and fruits of various colors and textures to create a well-rounded diet. Avoid boxed, canned and frozen meals; shopping around the edges of a grocery store is a technique to keep the contents in your cart healthy and fresh.