There seems to be a considerable amount of research and evidence to expound the belief that breakfast really is best. With so much emphasis on the importance of breakfast, perhaps it’s time to start making more of a meal of it?
Many of us allow breakfast to fall by the wayside. Skipping breakfast to stick to a schedule may be accepted adult practice but imposing the implications of our busy lifestyles on our little ones can be detrimental to their development. Whether due to a lack of time or perhaps inclination, it’s not uncommon for many people to start the day on an empty stomach. Yet, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this is especially true for schoolchildren.
Brain food
A good breakfast gives a child’s body an essential boost; the kick start it needs to function effectively for the school day. As the name suggests, if you don’t break the fast you’re bound to feel both the physical and emotional effects of hunger. Refuelling first thing promotes alertness and the ability to focus for longer, whereas hunger can lead to a sensation of sleepiness, resulting in a pupil who struggles to stay awake in class. Without breakfast, children can feel tired, restless and irritable.
Breakfast helps to boost brain power. Healthy tips for the right kind of breakfast include choosing a meal that’s high in fibre, whole grains and protein, yet low in sugar levels. A nutritionally-balanced breakfast will boost a child’s attention span and increase their capacity to concentrate, all of which are essential skills for classroom success.
Fit for life
Not only does skipping breakfast potentially lead to poor performance in class, it may also result in an insufficient level of appropriate nutrient intake. While whole grains and fibre can be incorporated into the diet in other ways, breakfast cereals provide an easy and efficient solution.
Furthermore, children who eat breakfast are more likely to foster healthy eating habits. A good breakfast routine should be top of the parenting tips list. If a child goes without breakfast, they’re bound to feel hungry and grumpy. Denying the body breakfast will also encourage a slower metabolism, meaning a child may be more likely to gain weight. Likewise, the propensity to binge eat or over-indulge at other times of the day is then exacerbated.
Encourage your children to eat breakfast and enjoy a nutritious and balanced diet. Without a well-deserved morning boost, your kids are bound to feel off balance.
Disclosure: In association with Super SavvyMe
