Welcome to the launch of season #8! The new school year brings new teachers, new schedules, and new expectations, plus sports and after-school activities. And with that comes the need for nutrition that supports kids’ brain function, and helps with memory, focus, and attention. When it comes to brain foods for kids, there are a ton of options, but they’re not always the easiest to prioritize especially if you have picky eaters.    In this episode, I sat down with Mark Brooks, co-founder, and co-CEO of Brainiac Foods, a company dedicated to supporting the whole family’s brain development, performance, and health. Launched in 2018 with Jonathan Wolfson, Brainiac Foods is on a mission to help families get critical nutrients scientifically proven to support brain health and wellness in every day, delicious foods. Mark and I talk about what the latest research shows about kids’ brain health, the critical nutrients kids need, and what the gut has to do with the brain. Mark also explores a list of brain foods for kids and easy, creative ways to get them into your kid’s diet.  Welcome 3:50 Let’s talk about your story! 6:09 How did Brainiac Foods come to be? 9:53 What does research show about kids’ brain health today? 9:53 What are the brain nutrients most kids are missing?  15:36 We know gut health is related to brain health, but what do parents need to know? 20:38 What are the best brain foods for kids? 24:36 Are there other nuts and seeds that are good for the brain? 25:37 What are the best fruits and vegetables for brain health? 26:18 What about oats and quinoa? 27:11 What are your favorite ways to get more brain-healthy foods in our kids’ diets?  30:56 What does Brainiac Foods offer? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Mark mentions the What We Eat in America report. Learn more about Mark and Brainiac Foods at BrainiacFoods.com. Follow Brainiac Foods on Instagram and Facebook. FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener. Thrive Market Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift.