The word "breakfast" is a compound word that means "break the fast." By the time children wake up in the morning, it has been 10 to 12 hours since they last had something to eat. This is the reason that they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
I often ask my students what they have eaten for breakfast. I get many different responses from doughnuts and hot chocolate, to eggs and toast, to nothing.
Think about what your children eat for breakfast. ^Think about what you eat for breakfast. How do you feel if you skip breakfast? Children who do not eat breakfast may have trouble learning, paying attention, and maintaining appropriate behavior.
The best breakfast choices include protein, complex carbs, and good fats.
How can we combine these 3 components into easy, no fuss, tasty meals?
- Low sugar cereal with fruit and milk.
- Eggs and whole wheat toast, fruit, a glass of milk.
- Whole wheat frozen blueberry waffle with peanut butter and oj.
- Whole wheat bagel with cream cheese and oj.
- Yogurt or cottage cheese and fruit.
- Oatmeal, with fruit and milk.
The best options do not contain excessive amounts of sugar, corn syrup or corn sugar. Reading labels is an important part of finding the right breakfast foods. Anything that ends with the letters "-ose" is a form of sugar.
No breakfast, or high sugar options do not serve your child's physical or learning needs. However it is okay to give in to these requests once in a while. Find options your child enjoys and can make himself.
Nutella has been advertised as a "healthy" breakfast food. Please read the label. It is mostly sugar and should be served only occasionally.
There are some good breakfast bar options. These should be eaten with a glass of milk.
Be sure to get 100% juices. Children do not need added sugar.
Since it is still summertime, try different options and pick 2 or 3 that your children like and then help them learn to fix it on their own. Store it in a cabinet that can be easily reached so children can be independent.
I do not know anyone who would put water into their vehicle's gas tank and expect it to run well, yet so many children are expected to navigate their day without anything nutritious for their fuel source. It's concerning and quite discouraging.
ReplyDeleteSue, what are some of the things you fix for your breakfast buddy?
ReplyDeleteMy breakfast buddy has a strong sugar addiction which I have been weaning him off of. He is currently starting his day with a good multi-vitamin, a low sugar breakfast cereal, some home made cinnamon raisin toast (baked with added milled flaxseed) and some fruit juice or some fresh fruit...grapes, sliced apple, etc. It has taken months to transition from donuts, chips, or sugar laden cereals for breakfast. :O !!
ReplyDelete