Life has changed in the 21st century. No longer do kids get to play in open fields or eat homemade fried delights that are easily digestible and made from pure ingredients. As a result, they seek solace in mobile phones and tasty junk food. Similarly, their energy levels and stamina are at an all-time low as well, due to lack of fresh air, nourishing food, and proper physical activity.
After a draining day at work, just like our body and hearts crave solid, homemade comfort meals like rajma chawal, kids too are exhausted after their own solid 12–14-hour long days of school, tuition, creative or sport classes, and homework. Life is no longer fun and games for them. So, to ensure their energy levels are up and their stamina is strong, check out these top 10 foods.
Bananas are a super fruit. From improving digestion, to helping build muscles, improving heart health, reducing bloating, to improving kidney function, they aid in all. Even athletes and sportspersons snack on bananas post-workout, to charge up on electrolytes, stamina, and necessary energy.
Full of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, apples work well when paired with peanut butter, thanks to the latter’s anti-inflammatory effect and promotion of a healthy cardiovascular system. Also, who would refuse crunchy, fresh apples loaded with creamy, nutty peanut butter? A delicious treat that boosts stamina and energy levels instantly.
Since yogurt is a superfood that promotes bone health, gut Microbia, heart health, and controls diabetic level and weight, it is easy to make a nutritious yet tasty dessert-like snack with it. Simply add some low-fat or homemade granola, honey, fresh berries or sliced fruits, to plain Greek yogurt and your energy levels are good to go.
Oatmeal consumption lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, dermatitis, and some forms of cancer while promoting immunity modulation, gut microbiota, and having anti-diabetic and cholesterol-lowering effects. Brighten up plain oatmeal with some fruits, honey, cocoa nibs, dry fruits, and nut butter, while maintaining nourishment and giving a natural boost of energy to school kids.
Dry fruits, combining nuts like cashews, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and dried fruits like apricots, dates and raisins. Since both these groups are full of proteins, calcium, and other micronutrients that help reduce the risk of heart diseases, strokes, and normalize cholesterol levels and blood pressure, they form a nutritious and filling combo when paired with milk. Have them as a dry fruits shake, or munch them separately, this power-packed combo is a perfect post-workout snack.
Dates are a good source of protein, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. They not only improve brain functionality and reduce the risk of cancer, but also fight against microbial infections and have anti-inflammatory properties. Dip pit-free dates in dark chocolate and chill them to have a nourishing yet tasty dessert at hand.
Salads, full of green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, cabbage, watercress, are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin K, minerals, and fiber. Pair them with grilled lean proteins like fish, egg, chicken, or with paneer, tofu, soya chunks, for a filling, nutritious meal that will strengthen muscles, improve the immune system, help prevent constipation, prevent hemorrhoids and lose weight.
A gluten-free superfood, quinoa is known for all nine essential amino acids essential for human growth and development. To make quinoa more appealing and filling, add fresh vegetables, grilled proteins, yogurt, and spices of your choice, to make a healthy and energy-level-boosting bowl of nourishment.
Smoothies are a great way to initiate children into liking different fruits and vegetables. Go healthy this summer by using coconut water, fresh fruit juices, milk, yogurt, vegan dairy products, and incorporate their favorite flavors in smoothies, while sneaking in a few healthy gifts of nature. Not only will they fill up kids and boost their energy levels and mood but will also keep their body ready to fight any signs of stress or exhaustion.
Instead of going for unhealthy processed cheeses, introduce your school kid to mature flavors by combining small portions of cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, brie, or halloumi, with crackers, jam, smoked meats, and fresh fruits. These easy 5-ingredient cheese boards are neither overwhelming nor fatty, instead, they give your child’s energy levels a much-needed boost without going overboard on nourishment or calories.
It is not possible for parents to ensure the well-being of their kids every single day. But these top ten healthy and delicious foods will boost your kids’ stamina and energy levels. After all, if they are not prepared for life, heart, tummy, and soul, by their loved ones, how will they thrive in life?