Healthy Breakfasts for Your Children - Part I

Healthy Breakfasts for Your Children: Part One

Written by: Samantha McCarthy, MS, RD/LDN

The end of August and month of September can be tough for any family. The start of the school routine and end of a relaxed summer can be hectic and stressful for everyone in the family. Healthy eating tends to be pushed to the side to make way for homework and crazy sports schedules. If you could pick one meal out of the day to make time for, I would recommend breakfast.

Numerous studies have found that children who eat a nutritious breakfast every morning perform better academically. They perform better on tests and are more likely to behave in the classroom. In addition, children and adolescents who eat breakfast every morning are less likely to overeat later in the day which in turn helps them manage their weight. Breakfast eaters (kids and adults) are more likely to be a healthy weight. Conversely, studies show that children and adolescents who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight or obese.

There are many benefits to eating a healthy breakfast, as outlined above. But it’s easier said than done. Busy mornings are the number one reason many children end up skipping breakfast. In next week’s post, I will be writing about the do’s and don’ts when it comes to breakfast and how to prepare quick and nutritious breakfast meals for your family.

Sources:

1. Adolphus et al. “The effects of breakfast on behavior and academic performance in children and adolescents.”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3737458/
2. Webb, Densie. “The Right Start — Tell Clients Breakfast Can Promote Weight Loss and Provide Other Great Benefits.” http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/070113p24.shtml.