The most important meal of the day.
Wouldn't it be great if we could give our children a spoon of magic medicine every morning that would help to make them healthy, smart and well behaved?
Unfortunately, this miracle medicine doesn't yet exist and if it did, it would be flying off the shelf like chocolate eggs at Easter but there is something just as powerful and effective, breakfast.
Eating a good breakfast is one of the most important things a child does all day. Thirty years of research has proven that a healthy breakfast positively impacts our brain functions and energy levels. Consumption of this morning meal is one of the most important things a child does all day.
Over 30 years of credible research has proven that a healthy breakfast positively impacts brain function and energy level, which is extremely important for school aged children
Get Organised:
Prepare for school the night before by preparing the next day's clothes, lunch and school bag
Set the alarm for 15 minutes earlier to allow more time for breakfast.
Say no to TV, video games and computers in the morning.
Choose foods that require little preparation such as fresh fruits, milk, yogurt, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, whole grain cereals, toast or instant porridge. Make sure you choose cereals low in sugar, salt and fat, check the pack for details.
For those with little hunger in the morning, offer juice, milk or a fruit smoothie made with skimmed milk and fruit.
Set a good example to your children, eat breakfast yourself.
Benefits of Breakfast
1. Children who skip breakfast are tired, irritable and more likely to be aggressive and get into trouble at school. Children who regularly eat breakfast have more energy, and have a better attitude at school.
2. A study published in 1998 showed higher math test scores after children ate breakfast. This and other research clearly shows that children who consistently eat breakfast achieve higher results in most academic areas.
3. Children who eat breakfast have less days off school and also spend less time complaining of stomach pain.
4. Breakfast eaters tend to consume more fibre, folic acid and calcium, unfortunately children who miss breakfast do not make up for lost nutrients later in the day.
5. Eating breakfast helps weight control. It helps to establish a normal eating pattern, consuming regular meals and healthy snacks is key to maintaining a healthy weight throughout life.
6. Even with all this compelling information on the benefits of breakfast, one out of eight school children start the day without breakfast. Some common excuses are, lack of time, absence of hunger and dislike of breakfast foods. No matter what obstacles are in your way you should find a way around them.
Find out more information about breakfast research at www.breakfastresearchinstitute.org
