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Expert Q&A
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| By Frances M. Berg, M.S. Nutritionist Wellness Specialist | ||
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My kids don't want to eat breakfast before school. Is it really that important?
Eating breakfast gives us all a healthy start for a busy day. Children and teens that eat breakfast do better in school. They are better at solving problems and score higher on memory, verbal fluency and creativity skills, according to the American Dietetic Association.
Here are some tips for giving your child a healthy sendoff for the day:
1. Take time for the entire family to enjoy breakfast together when possible. Keep conversation pleasant, lines of communication open (with the television off) and start the day on a happy note.
2. Include a good protein source for staying power. Adding a boiled egg, peanut butter, slice of leftover roast beef or hamburger keeps a child satisfied until lunch.
3. Count up the food groups. See how many of the five groups you can get into breakfast (bread and cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat and alternates, milk and dairy). Attaching a food pyramid to the refrigerator or kitchen bulletin board helps kids see how well they're eating during the day.
4. Help any weight-conscious children understand the importance of breakfast. Kids who eat breakfast take in fewer calories and less fat through the day, and they indulge in less impulsive snacking and bingeing. They are also better nourished.
5. Running too late for breakfast? Send a quick half (or full) sandwich out the door with your child. Good choices are peanut butter, sliced meat or cheese. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast for yourself!
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