Saralee Jamieson
Human Development Specialist

      A healthy breakfast refuels your body and jump-starts your day. Children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination. They may also be more alert, creative and less likely to miss days of school.

      Any breakfast is better than no breakfast, but a breakfast that is low in sugar and fat and contains a variety of nutrients is best. A combination of foods from the milk or meat groups, fruit or vegetable groups and the grain group will provide the variety of vitamins and minerals needed to sustain children until lunch.

     Preparing a good breakfast for your children may mean small changes in the family routine. Set the table the night before and set out cereal boxes. Get up a little earlier in the morning and have muffins, bagels, frozen waffles or pancakes or toast ready for quick preparation.

     Balance breakfast choices. If you serve bacon and eggs for breakfast one day, try a bowl of creamy oatmeal, raisins and fat-free milk the next. If there is no time for a sit-down breakfast, offer children a muffin or a piece of toast to eat on the way to school.

    If your kids are just not breakfast eaters, start by simply encouraging them to drink a glass of milk or juice or eating a piece of fruit. You can also try nontraditional breakfast foods such as left-over pasta, pizza, peanut butter or cheese and whole-wheat crackers.

     There are fast, easy breakfast ideas that will provide the nutrition your children need for school success:

J Peanut butter rolled in a whole-wheat tortilla and a glass of juice.

J Breakfast smoothies made from milk, fruit and bran.

J A bagel with low-fat cream cheese, topped with a slice of fruit.

J Fresh fruit topped with yogurt and crispy, whole-grain cereal.

J Trail mix made from your favorite cereal, nuts and dried fruit.

J Whole-grain toast topped with scrambled eggs and salsa.

J Boiled eggs.

     The morning meal doesn’t have to mean loading up on sugar and fat. Making nutritious breakfast choices can set you and your family up for healthier eating all day long.

More Topics on Helping Kids Succeed in School:
Homework
Get Kids Help in School
Are You Ready for the First Day of School?
Avoid the Morning Crazies
Avoid Battles Over Back-to-school Clothes
School Times Means Making Adjustments
Kids Do Better if Parents are Involved
Make Transition to School Easier
School Bus Safety
Learning Under Stress
Teach Kids About Money
Children Need Their Sleep
Healthy School Meals
 

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