There should be more than one universally agreed meaning for the expression: ‘food for thought’. The phrase is mostly recited when an idea or some new information is worth consideration, or when someone has ‘something to think about’. 

However in relation to diet and nutrition the saying also rings true when we consider that good food is fuel not only for your body but the wellbeing of your mind too. Experts in this area of health have long advised that what we eat makes a difference to how we think and feel. Put in the simplest terms, our general diet has a direct affect on the functionality and happiness of our brains.

As the evidence suggests that what we eat affects not only our physical health but the way a human being feels, then it is important that children have a nutritious and balanced diet to help them learn, study and play.

Essential food groups for a nutritious diet

The following is a quick guide to which food groups should be considered when thinking about a healthy, nutritious diet for any child:

Fluid intake

Make sure your child stays hydrated and consumes between 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day – water is best and it’s cheap! 

Don’t forget a child’s 5 a day

It’s so important to consume vegetables and fruits every day as they contain the essential vitamins, minerals and fibre we need to stay healthy in both body and mind.

Fibre is a gut’s best friend

The gut has a huge influence on a student’s  brain and a poorly gut can negatively affect how they feel emotionally. Plenty of fibre in a diet will ensure healthy digestion – which is vital for positivity. 

Protein is key to good feelings

The amino acids present in protein are part of the chemical mix that every brain needs to function properly and helps to make children feel good. 

When fat is good

Don’t always avoid fat in a diet – some fats are really good! The intake of fatty acids like omega 3 is necessary to keep our brains ticking over in a healthy fashion, so just choose the food that contains healthy fats like avocado, eggs and oily fish.

ISHCMC-American Academy – ensuring students can access a nutritious diet!

ISHCMC-AA is proud to be able to provide our students with a varied daily selection from our school canteen that enables each child to make their own good choices when it comes to a healthy diet.

Our varied and exciting menus have been created with advice from well known professionals within Vietnam’s food and beverage industry, and meals are prepared using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. 

The Breakfast bar

Starting with breakfast, often considered the most important meal of the day, students can choose from a selection of fresh and healthy produce including a selection of fruit, yoghurt and cereals. 

Snacks 

Having a healthy nibble is easy and our snack options include smoothies, natural fruit juices and baked goods made with wholemeal flour, oats and grains.

Main meal

Students can choose from a daily option of Asian or Western hot gourmet meals, a themed salad bar, a soup counter serving traditional Asian soups, or a made-to-order sandwich bar. 

Allergies

The ISHCMC-AA canteen is completely nut free.