Having breakfast is a crucial component of a well-balanced diet and serves as an excellent start to the day. Individuals who eat breakfast generally have higher levels of essential nutrients and are less likely to be overweight compared to those who skip breakfast. Children and teenagers who regularly have breakfast also tend to have a lower body mass index and a reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese. Unfortunately, surveys indicate that many children do not eat breakfast, despite the fact that it is believed to enhance concentration and learning. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the promotion of regular breakfast consumption, especially on school days.
The familiar reality of the morning rush while preparing for work and school often leads to skipping breakfast. This may explain why 1 in 7 children in Ireland fail to have breakfast every day. Skipping breakfast not only results in reduced nutrient intake but also affects the ability to learn. As children return to school, it presents a great opportunity to establish a routine and develop the habit of having breakfast from the beginning.
Children require an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals to support their steady growth, and studies show that breakfast eaters are more likely to meet their daily nutrient guidelines. Recent research on Irish primary school children found that the food consumed before school, relative to the overall school day, contained lower levels of saturated fat and sodium, and higher levels of dietary fiber and various micro nutrients. Breakfast eaters also tend to have higher intakes of essential vitamins and minerals, especially when they choose cereal and milk for breakfast, as fortified breakfast cereals are often consumed and milk boosts calcium intake.
The impact of breakfast on cognitive performance has been extensively studied in healthy young adults, and there is increasing interest in its effects on children's performance and learning at school. Glucose is the primary fuel for the brain, and a constant supply is crucial. When we wake up in the morning, we essentially break an overnight fast, and eating breakfast increases the glucose levels in our bloodstream. Glucose itself may directly impact cognitive performance, although the exact mechanisms are not well-established and require further understanding.
It is increasingly accepted that when children have breakfast, it can enhance their mental performance in problem-solving, mathematics, creativity, and attention span. This effect extends beyond the immediate post-breakfast period and continues throughout the morning. The beneficial impact of breakfast consumption is likely to be even greater among children with compromised nutritional status. However, additional research is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of breakfast on children's cognitive function and to determine the optimal size and composition of breakfast.
The importance of breakfast should not be underestimated, as evidence suggests its beneficial effects on overall well-being and improved memory. Breakfast doesn't have to be complicated; in fact, a bowl of fortified breakfast cereal with milk, topped with fruit or accompanied by a glass of juice, is quick, tasty, nutritious, and ideal for the entire family.
5 Top Tips to Encourage Kids to Eat Breakfast:
1. Set the alarm 10 minutes earlier to allow for a little extra time to eat breakfast.
2. Sit down together and enjoy breakfast as a family.
3. Prearrange breakfast bowls, plates, cutlery, and packets of breakfast cereals, ready to be served when everyone is dressed and prepared for work and school.
4. Keep children excited about breakfast by offering a variety of tastes over time. Provide different cereal options or allow children to mix their breakfast cereals to avoid flavor boredom. Consider buying a different fortified breakfast cereal during your next shopping trip.
5. Including a portion of fruit with breakfast contributes to one of your 5-A-Day servings, and the vitamin C found in fruit also aids in iron absorption.
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