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Lunch breaks are there for a reason. They\u2019re a chance to re-fuel physically, and re-focus psychologically, for the afternoon ahead. In this blog post we’re going to look at what you can eat (and also do) to help you to perform at your best.<\/span><\/p>\n

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PS I originally wrote this article for Teen Breathe magazine<\/a> but it applies to adults as well as children and teenagers!<\/em><\/p>\n

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NUTRITION & HYDRATION for CONCENTRATION <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Research shows that pupils who eat a nutritious lunch are more likely to achieve better test scores in comparison to those who do not. This could be because their bodies are being provided with the essential nutrients that they need, in combination with a boost of energy for forthcoming lessons and\/or exams. Our brains run on glucose (a break down of carbohydrate), which is why we start to feel \u2018fuzzy\u2019 and don\u2019t function at our best when we haven\u2019t eaten for a long period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whether you choose to have a cooked meal in school, eat out of the school grounds or take a packed lunch, there are 4 elements that should be present to keep things interesting; a main dish, a side dish, a snack or dessert and a drink, and each has its own purpose:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Main<\/b> – In order to stay fuelled all afternoon your main dish should combine a protein source, such as eggs, chicken, beans or cottage cheese, with a slow release carbohydrate such as seeded bread, sweet potato, basmati rice or pasta, and a source of fibre such as salad or vegetables. Whole-grains such as wholemeal pasta as well as vegetables are a great source of B vitamins which help our bodies to release energy from the foods that we eat. Healthy fats are essential for brain function so adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkling of feta cheese to your main dish will not only help to enhance nutrient uptake but will help your brain as well as heart to stay healthy too; for example you could have a baked potato (carbohydrate) with cottage cheese (protein), rocket (fibre) and a drizzle of olive oil (healthy fat).<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Side<\/b> – Add some colour or crunch; a side dish gives you the opportunity to add yet another portion of your 5 a day or something with added texture to make your lunch more interesting to eat; for example a side salad with chopped fruit and nuts.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Snack<\/b> – You may want to enjoy this as a dessert or in the afternoon break; either way a little bit of what you fancy does you good and a healthy balanced lunch is just that; balanced, meaning we can afford a little bit of indulgence; for example a packet of crisps or a small chocolate bar. There\u2019s no need to deny yourself little treats.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Drink<\/b> – Maintaining optimal hydration levels, i.e. drinking enough fluid, helps your body to maintain vital functions including keeping your brain working optimally. A lack of fluid, i.e. dehydration, can lead to headaches which may distract you from your daily tasks and physical tasks may also be compromised. To make sure that you\u2019re drinking enough aim for your urine to be a pale straw colour. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of fluid a day or more if you\u2019re exercising or if it\u2019s warm outside; the more you sweat the more you\u2019ll need to drink. Keep a water bottle with you to encourage you to drink more and don\u2019t forget about herbal teas to add a little variety and flavour. Regular teas and coffees also count towards your fluid intake, as do smoothies, milk and soups!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    So now you know what you should be including in your lunch, why not try out these ideas for some inspiration:<\/span><\/p>\n