Why breakfast is important for students

What not to serve for breakfast is important too. Sure, toaster pastries and some breakfast bars are portable, easy, and appealing to kids. But many have no more nutritional value than a candy bar and are high in sugar and calories.

Read the nutrition labels carefully before you toss these breakfast bars and pastries into your shopping cart. You also may want to check out the breakfasts available at school or daycare. Some offer breakfasts and provide them for free or at reduced prices for families with limited incomes. If your kids eat breakfast outside the home, talk to them about making healthy choices. The morning meal doesn't have to be all about traditional breakfast items.

You can mix it up to include different foods and still provide the nutrients and energy kids need for the day. Serve a balanced breakfast that includes whole grains, protein, and fruit or vegetables. You could try:. And don't forget how important your good example is. Let your kids see you making time to enjoy breakfast every day.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Breakfast is an ideal opportunity to eat foods which are rich in B vitamins, folate, iron and fibre. People who eat breakfast are more likely to meet their recommended dietary intakes for vitamins and minerals compared to those who skip it.

This is because the brain is starving for energy and needs fuel from nutritious foods like grainy bread, breakfast cereals, fruit and milk so it can function at its very best throughout the day.

To ensure your children are receiving the benefits of breakfast, choose a healthy breakfast meal which is high in fibre, has a low Glycemic Index GI and includes some protein.

Keep a supply of healthy whole grain cereals, nuts, fruit, tins of baked beans or yoghurt for example in the house for your family to snack on. These are quick, easy and very nutritious.

Certain breakfasts can be prepared the night before letting oats soaks overnight in a bowl with yoghurt and fruit is delicious the next morning. Also prepare for breakfast the night before by setting the table, with bowls and cutlery. Get your kids involved in this process too. Research shows students who eat breakfast perform better academically. It's not fully understood why, but scientists believe it may be because breakfast supplies essential nutrients to the nervous system to rev up brain power.

Or the explanation could simply be that breakfast alleviates hunger and a rumbling tummy, which can be distracting and interfere with academic performance, behavior and self-esteem. Those who eat a morning meal tend to make healthier food choices throughout the day, which can positively impact long-term health. This may be the most compelling reason to enjoy breakfast before a long school day. Warm up with a hearty bowl of oatmeal on a cool morning or hydrate with sweet chunks of fresh fruit and yogurt when it's warm outside.

With so many options on the table, you're sure to find something that works — peanut butter and jelly on whole-grain toast, whole fruits, eggs, yogurt or last night's leftovers … what's not to love? Encourage eating breakfast daily at home or school and make it easy.