Focusing on your child’s diet as new school year begins

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A good breakfast sets the tone for the school day.

That filling morning meal can also help give kids the fuel to focus in class.

“A healthy diet improves children’s ability to focus, their memory, their brain function, their behavior, even their moods,” says Dr. Rishika Sharma.

Doctors say that during the summer, good eating habits can slip.

That’s why teaching kids about nutrition and getting them back into a healthy routine is critical for classroom success.

“There are actually studies that show that children who skip breakfast don’t do as well on their tests or their academic performance as the kids who do eat breakfast daily,” Dr. Sharma said.

Dr. Sharma is a board-certified pediatrician.

She says if kids skip breakfast, it can lead to low blood sugar. This can make them feel tired, sluggish, and even anxious.

It can also lead to unhealthier behaviors.

“They’re going to be overeating at lunch,” Dr. Sharma said. “They’re going to be eating sugary foods because they crave for that.”

That’s why doctors suggest getting kids involved in their food choices to prevent bad eating habits.

Food prepping as a family can help them gain confidence in the meals they munch on.

Dr. Garine Lepejian, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente Fresno, shares this tip.

“Choose different foods with the rainbow colors,” Dr. Lepejian said. “I pick something that’s red and orange and green and yellow, and we can make them in different funny faces.”

Doctors also say to make sure to give your kids a choice in what they eat when it comes to making that trip to the store.

“Take them grocery shopping with you so they can pick their food and choose the colors,” Dr. Lepejian said.

By having them eat filling and nutritious meals, it’ll help ensure they’re striving to reach their highest potential in school.

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