7 Discoveries Brain Researchers Say Can "Significantly" Increase A Child's Ability to Learn
Last month, I remember saying something like, “Summer ain’t over yet!”
Well . . .now it is. As a teacher, I have a certain sense about these things--an almost migratory instinct to return to school, drink strong coffee, and prepare for classes.
Which got me to thinking about a 3 credit graduate course I took last summer designed to “. . .introduce educators to links between brain research and success in the classroom.” It was a great class, and I learned a lot. Nutrition, as it turns out, is a powerful predictor of learning.
Consider the following, from Teaching With the Brain in Mind, by Eric Jensen:
“In the past decade or two, compelling studies have shown the clear effect of better nutrition. In fact, the long-term impact of nutritional supplements (given to children from birth to age 7) is significant. Not only did children who received supplements score higher in quantitative thought and expression, reading, and vocabulary 10 years later, but also, when researchers followed up with these children between the ages of 11 and 26, they had improved socioeconomic status compared to the control group. Research strongly indicates that improved nutrition leads to improved cognition.”
Jensen goes on to say that nutrition is an area where we can easily make a positive difference. Like saving money for retirement, a good early investment will have a positive and lasting effect throughout a child’s life. Talk about paying dividends!
“The foods we serve,” Jensen says, “are not just feeding a child’s daily energy requirements, they are shaping the child’s brain.
Researchers suggest the following for parents who want to give their children every opportunity to learn:
1. Sufficient protein is absolutely essential in the early years because, aside from water, the growing body is made of more protein than any other substance.
2. Minerals and trace elements, including iron, zinc, and selenium are essential to ensure proper mood regulation, reduce fatigue, and improve concentration.
3. Vitamins A, B, C and E are essential for brain maintenance, protective effects, vision, strength, and memory.
4. Essential fatty acids (EFA’s), especially omega 3 and 6 play an integral role in cell membrane function and the development of the brain and eyes.
5. To work fast, brain cells need a fatty coating called myelin. Deficiencies in protein, iron and selenium impair mylelination of axons, which reduces mental efficiency.
6. Although food sources (such as leafy green vegetables, salmon, nuts, and fresh fruits) are the best way to get the vitamins and minerals that support optimal brain function and development, supplements can help to make up for a diet that is lacking.
7. Hydration is important to the brain’s normal development and function. Water should be available throughout the day.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Fun and Easy Snacks and Recipes for Kids
Great for the Snack Bag, After School, and that "Hurry Up and Get Out the Door Breakfast"
Mr. Wondra’s Breakfast Shake
Not long after the start of each school year, my 1st period students start asking me, “Mr. Wondra, what is that you’re drinking every morning?”
I tell them it’s my breakfast. It’s like Rocket Fuel, it gives me a ton of energy for the morning. And basically that is the truth.
But what’s really in it, is about 20 ounces of rice milk, 4 tablespoons of Energizing Soy Protein and 2 tablespoons of Meal Shake. It’s a simple, quick, cheap, portable and nutritious breakfast. And I drink one every morning. Often that’s all I need.
But I’m not the only one in our family that’s hooked on that shake. Both of our girls (ages 3 and 8) get a variation (less than 20 oz) of the same drink every morning. And often they ask for more throughout the day. It’s that good.
So here is a little more information about those ingredients and some other recipes you can whip up that you (and your kids) will love.
Energizing Soy Protein: Protein is essential for growth and repair of cells. In addition, Energizing Soy Protein stabilizes blood sugar (a critical nutrient for the brain) for up to three hours--an excellent breakfast and/or refreshing after-school snack. Low in fat, high in complete protein, and 5 essential B vitamins.
Meal Shake (Vanilla or Bavarian Cocoa): Each serving provides at least 1/3 of the U.S. DV for essential vitamins, minerals and protein, plus trace minerals and three grams of dietary fiber. With only 230 calories when mixed with low-fat milk, it’s a delicious, convenient food that can become an important alternative to other ‘fast’ foods or snacks that are often loaded with sugar, fat and sodium.
Shaklee Multi-Munch (Protein and Energy Bar): Nutritionists today stress that each snack should be evaluated as part of the daily nutrition intake. As such, they argue the ideal snack should provide a wholesome source of needed nutrition along with plenty of good food flavor for appetite satisfactionMulti-Munch provides a serious nutritional contribution of 15 grams of protein, four grams of fiber and 21 essential vitamins and minerals—all this in 200 delicious calories. Compare that to your typical bag of chips, fruit roll-up, or candy bar.
Recipes
Double Chocolate Shake
2 tbsp Cocoa Energizing Soy Protein
2 tbsp Bavarian Cocoa Meal Shake
1 cup milk (soy, rice, or 2%)
½ cup of ice
½ a frozen banana
Combine and pulse in blender until frothy
Protein Candy
1 cup Instant Protein (or Energizing Soy)
1 cup honey
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup granola
Form into balls and roll in nuts or Fiber Crunch
Peanut Butter Fudge
Warm in a saucepan:
16 oz crunchy peanut butter
8 oz honey
Add:
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup Instant Protein (or Vanilla Energizing Soy)
1 cup granola
several handfuls of Lachoy Chinese Noodles
Spread in square pan. Slice and refrigerate.
Aloha Pops
8 oz plain yogurt
8 oz crushed pineapple
3 heaping tbsp French Vanilla Meal Shake
Blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until firm. Makes 6 pops
Mr. Wondra’s Breakfast Shake
Not long after the start of each school year, my 1st period students start asking me, “Mr. Wondra, what is that you’re drinking every morning?”
I tell them it’s my breakfast. It’s like Rocket Fuel, it gives me a ton of energy for the morning. And basically that is the truth.
But what’s really in it, is about 20 ounces of rice milk, 4 tablespoons of Energizing Soy Protein and 2 tablespoons of Meal Shake. It’s a simple, quick, cheap, portable and nutritious breakfast. And I drink one every morning. Often that’s all I need.
But I’m not the only one in our family that’s hooked on that shake. Both of our girls (ages 3 and 8) get a variation (less than 20 oz) of the same drink every morning. And often they ask for more throughout the day. It’s that good.
So here is a little more information about those ingredients and some other recipes you can whip up that you (and your kids) will love.
Energizing Soy Protein: Protein is essential for growth and repair of cells. In addition, Energizing Soy Protein stabilizes blood sugar (a critical nutrient for the brain) for up to three hours--an excellent breakfast and/or refreshing after-school snack. Low in fat, high in complete protein, and 5 essential B vitamins.
Meal Shake (Vanilla or Bavarian Cocoa): Each serving provides at least 1/3 of the U.S. DV for essential vitamins, minerals and protein, plus trace minerals and three grams of dietary fiber. With only 230 calories when mixed with low-fat milk, it’s a delicious, convenient food that can become an important alternative to other ‘fast’ foods or snacks that are often loaded with sugar, fat and sodium.
Shaklee Multi-Munch (Protein and Energy Bar): Nutritionists today stress that each snack should be evaluated as part of the daily nutrition intake. As such, they argue the ideal snack should provide a wholesome source of needed nutrition along with plenty of good food flavor for appetite satisfactionMulti-Munch provides a serious nutritional contribution of 15 grams of protein, four grams of fiber and 21 essential vitamins and minerals—all this in 200 delicious calories. Compare that to your typical bag of chips, fruit roll-up, or candy bar.
Recipes
Double Chocolate Shake
2 tbsp Bavarian Cocoa Meal Shake
1 cup milk (soy, rice, or 2%)
½ cup of ice
½ a frozen banana
Combine and pulse in blender until frothy
Protein Candy
1 cup Instant Protein (or Energizing Soy)
1 cup honey
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup granola
Form into balls and roll in nuts or Fiber Crunch
Peanut Butter Fudge
Warm in a saucepan:
16 oz crunchy peanut butter
8 oz honey
Add:
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup Instant Protein (or Vanilla Energizing Soy)
1 cup granola
several handfuls of Lachoy Chinese Noodles
Spread in square pan. Slice and refrigerate.
Aloha Pops
8 oz plain yogurt
8 oz crushed pineapple
3 heaping tbsp French Vanilla Meal Shake
Blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until firm. Makes 6 pops
But I Don't Want to Take Supplements. I Eat Well Enough!
You might find the above headline odd in a Shaklee blog, but according to Charlene Day, a Registered Dietary Consultant and Christine Gaber, a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, some people might not benefit much from nutritional supplements.
Day (who has also written and published titles such as The Immune System Handbook: Your Owners Manual, The Ideal Basic Diet, and more) and Gaber have teamed up to write Why Do I Feel This Way: Self-Help Solutions For Your Symptoms.
In it they congratulate those who are providing the necessities of life without supplements and outline 19 things you must do to avoid needing supplements.
“You don’t want to take supplements and that’s fine,” they say. “As long as:
Day (who has also written and published titles such as The Immune System Handbook: Your Owners Manual, The Ideal Basic Diet, and more) and Gaber have teamed up to write Why Do I Feel This Way: Self-Help Solutions For Your Symptoms.
In it they congratulate those who are providing the necessities of life without supplements and outline 19 things you must do to avoid needing supplements.
“You don’t want to take supplements and that’s fine,” they say. “As long as:
- You provide adequate high quality protein (containing all 9 essential amino acids) daily
- You drink 6-8 cups of purified water every day
- You eat a minimum of 10-12 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day
- At least 50% of your entire diet is raw foods
- You eat only certified organic foods all the time
- You DO NOT eat any processed, refined, pre-packaged, instant, etc. foods
- You stay away from all sugary foods and junk foods
- You stay away from white flour products (breads, pastas, bagels, etc.)You stay away from ‘fast’ foods (burgers, fries, pizza, etc.)
- You stay away from all foods and oils containing hydrogenated &/or trans fats
- You do not consume caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, medications, etc.
- You have at least 2 bowel movements every day
- You exercise every day
- You do not put any chemicals/toxins into your body (foods or drinks containing pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, flavorings, colorings, preservatives)
- You do not put any chemicals/toxins onto your body (cosmetics, personal care products, chlorine from bath water, pools or hot tubs, laundry and cleaning product residues, ect.)
- You do not breath in any chemicals/toxins (outdoor pollution, indoor pollution from toxic cleaning or personal care products, off-gassing of carpets, paints, construction materials, etc.)
- You have a healthy family history
- You do not suffer from any conditions, illness or health challenges
- You live a relaxed, stress-free, positive, happy life.”
By The Numbers
Did you know that for less than the cost of a Pepsi, your child can have the two most effective children’s nutritional supplements available today?
- The world’s most comprehensive, tooth-friendly multivitamin and mineral supplement. Shaklee’s Vita Lea Ocean Wonders provides 23 essential nutrients, including 100% of the B vitamins, trace minerals, vitamin K and much more.
- Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein contains 14 grams of soy protein, all 9 essential amino acids, stabilizes blood sugar, and increases energy without a “sugar high.
When paired together, Ocean Wonders and Energizing Soy Protein provide your children with an inexpensive yet powerful foundation for a strong body and a sharp mind.
Did You Know?
- All Shaklee products are 100% guaranteed—even if you use the product up.
- Shaklee’s founding principles, guiding everything they do: “In Harmony With Nature” and “The Golden Rule”.
- The active ingredients in Shaklee products are scientifically proven effective and safe.
- Things Shaklee tests ingredients for: the presence of herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
- Number of laboratory and quality assurance tests Shaklee performs on their products and ingredients each year: 83,000
- Dollars Shaklee has invested in product research and development, clinical research and clinical trials: over $250 million.
- People and teams that have benefited from Shaklee products: Jacques Cousteau, the first American Ascent of Mt. Everest without oxygen, Space Shuttle Astronauts, over 30 Olympic medal winners, and more.
- Number of active Shaklee members: Over 750,000
- Number of patents and patents-pending Shaklee owns: 45
- Years Shaklee has been developing and manufacturing nutritional supplements: 50
- Number of American supplement companies doing business longer than Shaklee: 0
When Dust is a Good Thing
As many of you know, I (Christopher) teach Middle School Language here in St. Croix Falls.
Summer is the time when all the rooms get a thorough cleaning.
A cleaning crew comes in and takes everything (and I mean everything) out of the rooms. It all gets wiped down, carpets and walls are washed—the whole bit.
The other day I remembered that I left my precious Air Source in the room. Since I brought it to school, I’ve gotten fewer colds, and I often get positive comments on the smell.
Anyway I ran into one of the women who cleaned my room. She commented that mine was by far the dustiest room to clean. She said that they wiped up at least twice to 3x as much dust as in other rooms. It was amazing. With all that dust, she questioned the effectiveness of my air purifier.
I tried to explain how the Air Source gets dust to fall out of the air.
I’m not sure I convinced her. I’m just glad somebody was wiping up the dust that I would have been breathing in all year--if it wasn’t for my Air Source.
Summer is the time when all the rooms get a thorough cleaning.
A cleaning crew comes in and takes everything (and I mean everything) out of the rooms. It all gets wiped down, carpets and walls are washed—the whole bit.
The other day I remembered that I left my precious Air Source in the room. Since I brought it to school, I’ve gotten fewer colds, and I often get positive comments on the smell.
Anyway I ran into one of the women who cleaned my room. She commented that mine was by far the dustiest room to clean. She said that they wiped up at least twice to 3x as much dust as in other rooms. It was amazing. With all that dust, she questioned the effectiveness of my air purifier.
I tried to explain how the Air Source gets dust to fall out of the air.
I’m not sure I convinced her. I’m just glad somebody was wiping up the dust that I would have been breathing in all year--if it wasn’t for my Air Source.
Quick Tip of the Month
Next time a light bulb burns out in your home, replace it with a “swirl” or “compact florescent” bulb. They are as bright or brighter than regular bulbs, but 1 bulb is guaranteed to last 5 years. You can pick up a 3-pack at Wal Mart for $7.58.
Not only will you save money buying less bulbs over time (by an 8:1 ratio), a “swirl” replacement for a 60 watt bulb only uses 13 watts. So GE says you will also save $38 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.
Not only will you save money buying less bulbs over time (by an 8:1 ratio), a “swirl” replacement for a 60 watt bulb only uses 13 watts. So GE says you will also save $38 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.
A Tale of Pain and Suffering and (again) How Shaklee Provided Relief
Knee Pain
Although she’s not training for a marathon herself, Lisa has been running with Barb (see member of the month) since they met at Snap Fitness this winter. Barb has more experience (running, Lisa’s got her in years), but they enjoy each other’s company and having a training “buddy” helps to keep each accountable.
So when Lisa’s knee hurt during a scheduled 10 mile run, it slowed Barb down too. The pain intensified and Lisa had to stop running. Often it hurt just to stand on it and even walking at times was very painful. Of course Lisa tried everything in her Shaklee arsenal. She tried ice, heat, nothing seemed to help much. So, finally, begrudgingly, she saw a Dr. and scheduled an MRI. But not before she did one more thing.
She tried Shaklee’s Pain Relief Complex—and almost immediately she felt better. She started running again. Then on a warm Saturday morning, July 15, she ran a scheduled 12 miles with no pain. Up hills, down hills. No pain.
The MRI came back the next Monday showing some mild arthritis that inflames when she hits an incline or a decline, due to where the arthritis is and how the knee joint moves differently when her muscles adjust to hills. The Pain Relief Complex takes care of the inflammation—thus eliminating the pain.
So now she’s back on track—avoiding hills for now—but feeling no pain.
Although she’s not training for a marathon herself, Lisa has been running with Barb (see member of the month) since they met at Snap Fitness this winter. Barb has more experience (running, Lisa’s got her in years), but they enjoy each other’s company and having a training “buddy” helps to keep each accountable.
So when Lisa’s knee hurt during a scheduled 10 mile run, it slowed Barb down too. The pain intensified and Lisa had to stop running. Often it hurt just to stand on it and even walking at times was very painful. Of course Lisa tried everything in her Shaklee arsenal. She tried ice, heat, nothing seemed to help much. So, finally, begrudgingly, she saw a Dr. and scheduled an MRI. But not before she did one more thing.
She tried Shaklee’s Pain Relief Complex—and almost immediately she felt better. She started running again. Then on a warm Saturday morning, July 15, she ran a scheduled 12 miles with no pain. Up hills, down hills. No pain.
The MRI came back the next Monday showing some mild arthritis that inflames when she hits an incline or a decline, due to where the arthritis is and how the knee joint moves differently when her muscles adjust to hills. The Pain Relief Complex takes care of the inflammation—thus eliminating the pain.
So now she’s back on track—avoiding hills for now—but feeling no pain.
The Fact of the Matter Is . . .
You’re never quite sure until you actually try something, are you? There are a lot of companies, business philosophies, and a lot of different products out there on the market today. And it’s up to you to sort through it all and get the best value.
The bottom line for Lisa and me, the reason we share these products and all this information with you, the reason we stake our reputation in our community, and with our friends and colleagues is that deep in our core, we trust Shaklee’s products.
We trust they will work. We are sure you will be more than satisfied. If you’re not, you get your money back—all of it (yes, even if you use all of the product).
But the guarantee isn’t what keeps us going. It’s people like Rebecca Stenberg who used Shaklee to save stained clothes that would have gone in the trash. It’s families like Craig Broeren’s, who eliminated diaper rash using a Shaklee recipe for baby wipes. It’s people like George Anderson who lowered his cholesterol using the Energizing Soy Protein.
The Bottom Line . . .
This stuff really works—often in dramatic fashion. The bottom line is Shaklee makes products that make life easier—and we are just darned proud to share them.
The bottom line for Lisa and me, the reason we share these products and all this information with you, the reason we stake our reputation in our community, and with our friends and colleagues is that deep in our core, we trust Shaklee’s products.
We trust they will work. We are sure you will be more than satisfied. If you’re not, you get your money back—all of it (yes, even if you use all of the product).
But the guarantee isn’t what keeps us going. It’s people like Rebecca Stenberg who used Shaklee to save stained clothes that would have gone in the trash. It’s families like Craig Broeren’s, who eliminated diaper rash using a Shaklee recipe for baby wipes. It’s people like George Anderson who lowered his cholesterol using the Energizing Soy Protein.
The Bottom Line . . .
This stuff really works—often in dramatic fashion. The bottom line is Shaklee makes products that make life easier—and we are just darned proud to share them.
By The Numbers
Been too busy in the yard to get in that workout? Don’t worry about it. You’re still burning plenty of calories:
Mowing
Men—500
Women—395
Weeding
Men—328
Women—296
Raking
Men—361
Women—283
Planting flowers, shrubs and trees
Men—340
Women—250
Sweeping outside (e.g., sidewalk)
Men—336
Women—263
Bagging grass and leaves
Men—336
Women—263
Wheelbarrow chores
Men—420
Women—329
Cleaning out the garage
Men—420
Women—330
Aerobics
Men—545
Women—428
Pilates
Men—294
Women—230
Weight Lifting
Men—252
Women—197
Walking (3.5 miles per hour)
Men—319
Women—250
Jogging
Men—587
Women—460
Hatha Yoga
Men—210
Women—164
Bicycling
Men—671
Women—526
Hiking (cross country)
Men—503
Women—395
Canoeing
Men—294
Women—230
Note: Calories burned are based on a 40-yr, 185-lb, 5’10” man and a 40-yr, 145-lb, 5’4” woman doing the described activity for one hour.
Mowing
Men—500
Women—395
Weeding
Men—328
Women—296
Raking
Men—361
Women—283
Planting flowers, shrubs and trees
Men—340
Women—250
Sweeping outside (e.g., sidewalk)
Men—336
Women—263
Bagging grass and leaves
Men—336
Women—263
Wheelbarrow chores
Men—420
Women—329
Cleaning out the garage
Men—420
Women—330
Aerobics
Men—545
Women—428
Pilates
Men—294
Women—230
Weight Lifting
Men—252
Women—197
Walking (3.5 miles per hour)
Men—319
Women—250
Jogging
Men—587
Women—460
Hatha Yoga
Men—210
Women—164
Bicycling
Men—671
Women—526
Hiking (cross country)
Men—503
Women—395
Canoeing
Men—294
Women—230
Note: Calories burned are based on a 40-yr, 185-lb, 5’10” man and a 40-yr, 145-lb, 5’4” woman doing the described activity for one hour.
A Word On Hydration
Whether you’re training for your next event or simply trying to stay ahead of the weeds in your garden, staying hydrated during the summer months often takes a conscious effort.
Even low levels of dehydration can lead to premature fatigue, head ache, cramping and muscle soreness. Proper hydration, on the other hand, helps you to work longer with more energy, get more done, and recover faster with less fatigue and soreness in the hours and days following your activity.
With Performance, Shaklee developed a product that rehydrates faster than water. Here’s how (and why other sports drinks don’t quite measure up):
1) Popular sports drinks have 3 main problems: too much processed sugar, not enough essential minerals (electrolytes), and an unbalanced proportion of quality carbohydrates (not all carbs are created equal).
2) Processed sugar is always a problem, but with the high levels found in most sports drinks, it actually pulls water out of your bloodstream to help break down the sugar. This makes your body work harder to stay hydrated. You want the water in your body—not your stomach.
3) Leading research has shown that there are 6 essential minerals (electrolytes) necessary for optimum uptake of water to the cells. Since other sport drinks are severely lacking in these, more of the fluid sits in the stomach and intestines waiting to be absorbed (along with the additional fluids pulled in to help the stomach break down the extra sugar).
4) Shaklee’s Performance uses a special blend of 3 high quality carbohydrates to provide immediate, mid, and slow burn sources of energy for continuous energy supply to your muscles.
5) The latest research shows that there is a specific level of carbohydrate intake that is most beneficial. Less than 18 grams is not enough to do any good, and more than 28 grams can cause cramping and digestive problems. Performance has 25 grams.
6) Some companies include vitamins in their sports drinks. Vitamins are for recovery, not hydration. Vitamins induce digestion which, like too many carbohydrates, may cause cramping. In the very least processing vitamins requires energy--energy you could be using to perform.
We drink a lot of Performance around here, and not just when we’re working. The kids love it. Juice, Kool-Aid, Soda? No thanks. It comes on trips in the car to run errands, it goes in the cooler when we go swimming or on a picnic. We drink it, (the kids request it) with a refreshing afternoon snack, we often drink it with lunch and dinner. It really is an all purpose drink.
And you won’t believe how good it tastes when you’re thirsty.
Even low levels of dehydration can lead to premature fatigue, head ache, cramping and muscle soreness. Proper hydration, on the other hand, helps you to work longer with more energy, get more done, and recover faster with less fatigue and soreness in the hours and days following your activity.
With Performance, Shaklee developed a product that rehydrates faster than water. Here’s how (and why other sports drinks don’t quite measure up):
1) Popular sports drinks have 3 main problems: too much processed sugar, not enough essential minerals (electrolytes), and an unbalanced proportion of quality carbohydrates (not all carbs are created equal).
2) Processed sugar is always a problem, but with the high levels found in most sports drinks, it actually pulls water out of your bloodstream to help break down the sugar. This makes your body work harder to stay hydrated. You want the water in your body—not your stomach.
3) Leading research has shown that there are 6 essential minerals (electrolytes) necessary for optimum uptake of water to the cells. Since other sport drinks are severely lacking in these, more of the fluid sits in the stomach and intestines waiting to be absorbed (along with the additional fluids pulled in to help the stomach break down the extra sugar).
4) Shaklee’s Performance uses a special blend of 3 high quality carbohydrates to provide immediate, mid, and slow burn sources of energy for continuous energy supply to your muscles.
5) The latest research shows that there is a specific level of carbohydrate intake that is most beneficial. Less than 18 grams is not enough to do any good, and more than 28 grams can cause cramping and digestive problems. Performance has 25 grams.
6) Some companies include vitamins in their sports drinks. Vitamins are for recovery, not hydration. Vitamins induce digestion which, like too many carbohydrates, may cause cramping. In the very least processing vitamins requires energy--energy you could be using to perform.
We drink a lot of Performance around here, and not just when we’re working. The kids love it. Juice, Kool-Aid, Soda? No thanks. It comes on trips in the car to run errands, it goes in the cooler when we go swimming or on a picnic. We drink it, (the kids request it) with a refreshing afternoon snack, we often drink it with lunch and dinner. It really is an all purpose drink.
And you won’t believe how good it tastes when you’re thirsty.
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