'Slim' being the Afrikaans word for smart or clever, not skinny! As previously stated it is important for our senses to be involved while learning. One way to include our sense of taste as well as incorporate some movement is to have a variety of snacks while studying for a big test or exam or even while sitting in a lesson at school or university. Be creative, have an assortment and munch away! Here are my suggestions for healthy snacks:
- cut up slices of cheese
- a yoghurt
- pretzels
- rice cakes
- a cup of soup or two minute noodles (great choices in this weather!)
- cut up carrots, cucumber, baby tomatoes, celery sticks, brocolli florets (I love the small packets from Woolworths that are always on special - buy 3 for R20) with a salad dressing dip
- cut up apples, pears, peaches, plums and berries
- biltong
- nuts
Remember to keep your fluid intake up. A glass of milk, a health smoothie, Rooibos tea, diluted fruit juice or some water are good options.
None of these should take the place of your 3 daily meals which should be balanced and healthy too. Try to incorporate foods from the entire food pyramid, a unhealthy treat never hurt anyone! Breakfast is essential as we need the minerals and vitamins to absorb information through out the day. Try some sugar free cereal with some cut up fruit to sweeten it, scrambled eggs and toast, a bagel with cream cheese and jam, yoghurt and muesli, oats with honey, cinnamon topped with some berries.
Barefoot is best! I was reminded recently. When we learn we need to involve as many of our senses as possible. It is how, after all, how God intended us to be. I have been fortunate enough to work in a school environment where children are allowed to remove their shoes as they wish. This allowed for a much more relaxed and therefore learning effective environment. When we move our feet we are lengthening the nerves running from the tips of our toes to our head. Children are able to concentrate better by stretching these nerves, therefore, encourage your child to walk on their heels to their tip toes and back again as often as possible to give their brains a good workout. We are also able to take in more about the space we find ourselves in and be introduced to textures underfoot we may have missed out on. Shoes were designed to be worn when necessary and not as a permanent feature. Take the "bricks" off your child's feet and bare it all! To read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/aug/09/barefoot-best-for-children
