Kids need breakfast to boost brain power
More than 50 percent of students report they skip breakfast at some time during the week, reports the American Dietetic Association. Numerous studies show children perform better in the classroom when they have eaten that morning meal. A recent study from the Maryland State Department of Education revealed student who ate breakfast in school had a nine percent increase in standardized test scores and a 40 percent increase in good behavior and attitude.
‘Breakfast boosts brainpower by providing energy to the brain after rest.”
Kids not eating breakfast are also shortchanging themselves vital nutrients that they don’t make up for later in the day. A particular problem is kids not getting enough calcium. Nine out of 10 girls and seven out of 10 boys don’t get enough calcium every day, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A Journal of the American College of Nutrition study showed milk group foods are the most frequently consumed foods at breakfast, and when children miss their morning meals, they consume significantly less calcium.
“Good grades can be as elementary as getting a good start to the day with breakfast,” Wallin said.
With so many single parent households and children often being alone in the morning while parents rush to get themselves ready for work, it’s easy to overlook breakfast for a child. If a child has a long ride to school, the child might be famished by lunchtime.
For adults, hunger can be uncomfortable. However, most adults know how to deal with hunger by satisfying it. When children are hungry, it’s a much bigger problem, according to Wallin.
“When hunger strikes, kids lose their focus,” Wallin said, “Some stay at their desks and fade. Others feel sick and ask to go to the school nurse. Others just poke the kid next to them. No matter how a child responds to the discomfort of hunger, all children lose out on learning.”
Wallin suggests parents remember to include milk in their child’s breakfast. “Milk is a great nutrient package of nine essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, and vitamins A, D and B-12” Wallin said. “Milk is good nutrition for growing bodies. Give your kids a healthy smoothie made of bananas plain yogurt, strawberries and milk.”
Wallin suggests busy parents consider these options.
• Keep breakfast foods such as cereal or yogurt on hand.
• Make sure breakfast foods are highly visible and easy for children to grab. And show them where the foods are.
• Prepare a breakfast shake or smoothie. Blend yogurt with fresh fruit or frozen fruit for a satisfying and nutritious way for children to get calcium and protein.
• One of the most powerful ways to influence your child is eating breakfast yourself. No time? Bring breakfast with you.
• Encourage your children to eat breakfast at school, if you don’t have time at home.