Balanced diet key to healthy mental development in kids, expert says

• That's the theory of Nicola Graimes, author of Brain Foods for Kids: Over 100 Recipes to Boost Your Child's Intelligence (Delta Trade Paperbacks, $17).
• Parents are aware that a healthy diet is essential for their child's physical well-being, but they often overlook how proper nutrition also affects the mental development and cognitive capabilities of growing kids, said Graimes, who lives in England.
• She has written numerous books based on health, nutrition, organic food and children's diets.
• Graimes tells parents to say no to "brain drain" snacks -- those loaded with additives and refined sugar lead to a surge in blood sugar levels which are followed by a physical and mental slump.
• Offer healthy snacks such as homemade popcorn, a piece of high-quality chocolate, or homemade oatmeal cookies, which have the complex carbohydrates needed for proper brain function.
• Here are some good foods for breakfast, which is seen as the most important meal of the day because it replenishes vital brain nutrients and blood sugar levels that are depleted overnight.
• They're an excellent source of B-complex vitamins, iron, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and omega-6 essential fatty acids.
• ? Wheat flakes, mainly a complex carbohydrate food, also contain a certain amount of protein, both of which are essential fuel for the brain and keep energy and blood sugar levels steady.
• These oatmeal cookies are packed with nutritious oats, which help to steady blood sugar levels, control mood swings and provide sustained amounts of energy.
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Beat together the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
• If your child is hyper before dinner, try serving sleepytime cheesy pasta, which may help to calm him or her down.