Children who eat breakfast do better in school
Starting the day with a healthy breakfast increases your child’s attention span and ability to concentrate. Studies show that children who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight or visit the school nurse because of stomach aches. Most of us say we have no time—no time to plan breakfast and then no time to eat it. Think again!
Some great ideas to try with your family
- Get your child up 10 minutes earlier to make more time for breakfast.
- Leave the TV and other electronics off in the morning. Make breakfast a priority.
- Put breakfast foods like cereal and fruit out for easy access in the morning.
- Spend a few minutes together with your child planning the next day’s breakfast. Your child is more likely to eat in the morning if he or she is involved in planning it.
- Sit down and eat together. If your child sees you eating breakfast, he or she is more likely to eat breakfast too!
- Contact your school to find out if your district takes part in the school breakfast program and if your child qualifies to participate.
Here are some breakfast ideas using three of the five food groups
- Whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk and sliced fruit on top
- Low-fat or non-fat yogurt mixed with fruit and topped with low-fat granola
- 100% whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and low-fat or non-fat milk
For more breakfast ideas developed by the UMass Amherst Nutrition Education Program visit https://extension.umass.edu/nutrition/recipes/breakfast
