When we talk about healthy eating for kids, we often focus on physical growth. But the benefits of healthy eating for students go far beyond that. The right foods can boost concentration, support emotional well-being, and even help kids perform better in school. In this article, we will take you to explore the benefits of healthy eating that could improve your kids’ performance in school and life. As well as how St Andrew Green Valley helps your kids to stay healthy and create good habits for them.
- Healthy eating boosts more than just physical growth. It supports better concentration, academic performance, emotional well-being, and long-term healthy habits for children.
- Essential nutrients like omega-3s, B vitamins, protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin D play a big role in brain development, focus, energy, and strong bones and muscles.
- St. Andrews Green Valley promotes healthy eating for kids through a diverse, balanced meal plan. We offer fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in Thai and international dishes.
- Our expert nutrition team carefully curates every menu to ensure students receive all the nutrients they need for both mental and physical development.
- Healthy eating is a part of our daily school life, with engaging food education and positive mealtime experiences. Children build lasting healthy habits with fun eating experiences here at our school.
Benefit of Healthy Eating for Kids
Nutrition is the brain’s fuel. A well-balanced diet does more than just keep kids full, it also provides excessive essential nutrition to support the body and fosters brain improvement. The specific parts of the brain need the right nutrition to support their function. But how does it help and what nutrients does the brain need for each function? Let’s explore the benefits of healthy eating habits together.
Boosts Academic Performance & Concentration
Concentration is like meditation for overall life improvement. Healthy eating can be an important tool for concentration. Our brain plays a major role in retaining the ability to focus, remember, and learn. There are several key nutrition brain needs to improve and perform these functions as follows:
- Omega-3 acids: DHA, EPA, and ALA are the key components of brain cell membranes, especially DHA which make up to 25%–30% of the total fat in the brain. They keep these membranes flexible, allowing neurons to communicate quickly and effectively. This enhances brain signaling, which supports better focus, learning, and memory.
Sources: DHA & EPA are found in fatty fish. And ALA is found in walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. - B vitamins: B vitamins help convert food into energy the brain can use. They also play a key role in producing neurotransmitters and maintaining healthy nerve cells. Without enough B vitamins, mental fatigue and poor concentration are more likely.
Sources: Leafy greens, eggs, bananas, whole grains, meat. - Protein (Amino Acids): Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which the brain uses to create neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals control mood, attention, and motivation. The more kids can control these essentials, the more they stay focused and mentally sharp.
Sources: Eggs, meat, dairy, beans, tofu, nuts.
Supports Physical Growth & Development
The right foods help kids grow taller, stronger, and stay full of energy. A well-balanced healthy eating plate should include all the key nutrients their growing bodies need:
- Calcium: Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, which is crucial during childhood when bones are growing quickly. It helps build a solid skeletal foundation for healthy movement and posture.
Sources: Milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens. - Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and use it to build strong bones. It also supports muscle function and the immune system, keeping kids active and resilient.
Sources: Fish, egg yolks, fortified milk. - Iron: Iron helps transport oxygen through the blood to organs and muscles. It supports energy levels, physical activity, and healthy brain and body development during growth phases.
Sources: Red meat, spinach, beans, fortified cereals.
How St. Andrews Green Valley Supports Healthy Eating Habits
St. Andrews Green Valley recognises the vital role of healthy eating and the many benefits of healthy eating for students. Here’s how we ensure students have access to nutritious meals:
A Diverse & Nutritious Meal Plan
Our school canteen offers a wide range of international dishes. Students will experience the delicious taste of cultures from around the world while gaining all the nutrition they need for all development. Our menu changes weekly and consists of Thai menu, Western menu, fresh fruit, and desserts. We ensure to include fresh fruits and vegetables daily, lean proteins, and whole grains in every one of our culture-rich and healthy meals.
Expertly Curated Menus by the School Nutrition Team
Our dedicated school nutrition team works with their heart to carefully design meals. Every meal ensures balanced nutrition with high-quality ingredients and accommodates dietary needs and preferences.
Healthy eating for kids is more than just a daily habit—it’s a powerful tool for children’s growth, learning, and long-term well-being. Children need diverse nutritious for brain and physical development. For example, children need Omega-3 acids, B vitamins, and proteins to support brain health and help concentration and focus. Besides, they need calcium, vitamin D, and iron for physical development.
At St. Andrews Green Valley, we are committed to providing nutritious meals and fostering lifelong healthy habits. We provide meals from cultures worldwide to celebrate diversity and ensure healthy eating is a fun experience for children. This promotes the love of healthy eating habits for kids.
