Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

by Susie Burrell

 

Perhaps one of the most important events in the school calendar, the end of year exam period can be a stressful and difficult time for students and parents alike. However, with endless aisles dedicated to snacks in the supermarket, it’s now become harder than ever to find the most beneficial, energy boosting snacks to increase productivity and provide students with a total brain and body recharge.

This is why it’s important to consider incorporating nutrient rich foods into the diet that will support optimal cognitive function at this busy and stressful time.

When it comes to specific foods, including peanuts, there is a growing body of research that has looked at the links between regular peanut consumption and cognitive functioning. The moderate consumption of peanuts has also been shown to improve cognition in older adults, while also providing a good source of plant-based omega 3 fatty acids, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Incorporating nutrient rich foods like peanuts or a 100% natural peanut butter like Mayver’s to support brain function ensures children have the brain fuel they need to concentrate and perform at school.

To begin incorporating some of these foods into your child’s diet, a good starting point is at breakfast time. If your children enjoy breakfast on the go, add a serving of 100% natural peanut butter like Mayver’s to their morning smoothie or an overnight chia pudding with swirls of peanut butter, to provide a boost of plant-based Omega-3.

Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with smearing a serving of peanut butter on two slices of wholemeal toast, topped with their favourite fruit like bananas or strawberries. For an extra boost of Omega-3 goodness, Mayver’s Omega-3 Super Peanut Butter is packed with healthy fats including DHA and tastes just as great in recipes, on toast or by itself at any time of the day.

My Brain Boosting Breakfast Bars are tasty as they are nutritious and contain ingredients such as raw oats, peanut butter with an added boost of Omega-3 and are best enjoyed alongside a serving of fresh fruit such as bananas or strawberries.

The Probiotic Peanut Butter Smoothie is a great option for families and kids who are on the go or can be short on time in the mornings. Alternatively, Mayver’s Peanut Butter and Banana Muffins provide a nutritious solution for the first meal of the day, however I recommend preparing them over the weekend, ahead of the busy school morning rush.

 

Peanut Butter & Banana Muffins

By Mayver’s
Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 12

Dairy Free

Dry ingredients

125g blanched almond meal

100g brown rice flour

50g tapioca flour

60g gluten free rolled oats

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

Wet ingredients

2 tbsp Mayver’s Crunchy Peanut Butter

220g ripe bananas (approx. 3 bananas)

1/3 cup olive oil

3 eggs

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 200˚C and line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin papers.
  2. Add all the dry ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix well until combined.
  3. Add the bananas, olive oil and eggs to a blender and blend into a thick creamy consistency. Pour into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix together until combined.
  4. Divide the mixture between each of the 12 muffin holes and top each muffin with a sprinkle of rolled oats.
  5. Bake for 30 mins until golden brown and cooked through.

 

Probiotic Peanut Butter Smoothie

By Mayver’s
Time: 5 minutes | Serves: 1

Dairy Free (optional)/Gluten Free/Egg Free

Ingredients

2 tbsp Mayver’s Probiotic Super Peanut Butter

1/2 cup frozen mango

1 frozen banana

1 cup milk of choice

1 tsp maca powder

Method

  1. Place all ingredients into a high speed blender.
  2. Blend ingredients until smooth.
  3. Pour into glass and enjoy!

 

Susie’s Brain Boosting Bars

By Susie Burrell
Prep time:  15 minutes | Cook time: 35-40 minutes | Serves: 9-12 bars

Ingredients

2 cups raw oats

3/4 cup Mayver’s Omega 3 Super PB

1 cup wholemeal SR flour (sifted)

1 tsp. baking powder

1 cup milk

1/3 cup maple or golden syrup

1 egg, beaten

Vanilla drops

1 large banana

Coconut flakes for topping

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 160˚C.
  2. Combine oats, flour, baking powder. In a separate bowl combine milk, syrup, peanut butter, egg and vanilla.
  3. Combine and fold in chopped banana. Pour mixture into a square baking tin. Top with coconut flakes and a drizzle of extra Mayvers Peanut Butter.
  4. Bake for 35-40min until cooked through. Once cooled, cut into individual bars.