By Everything Lifestyle Staff

Start your morning right

Why Kids Need to Eat Breakfast

Sep 3, 2024 | 7:31 AM

More energy. Healthier weight. These are just some reasons to get food in their bellies.

As you’ve probably heard, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The food your kids eat in the morning is used to refuel their bodies after a night of sleep and sets the stage to keep them going throughout the day.

Why is it so important to make sure that your kids eat breakfast? Research shows that kids who eat breakfast:

• Are less likely to feel tired and irritable.
• Are more likely to eat healthier and consume fewer calories throughout the day.
• Are more likely to participate in physical activity.
• May have better attention spans, as well as improved memory and concentration.
• Can have improved overall academic performance and success in school.

Eating breakfast can help keep kids at a healthier weight. High-protein breakfasts may be especially helpful in fighting the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. A study done at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that eating eggs in the morning kept kids feeling fuller throughout the morning and resulted in kids consuming fewer calories at lunch time.

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While we know eating breakfast regularly is important for your kids, it’s equally important that you encourage them to make nutritious food choices. Don’t just let them grab a bowl of sugary cereal or a doughnut on their way out the door. Better breakfast options include a mix of protein, fat and fiber and a low amount of added sugar.

Here are a few kid-friendly breakfast ideas that can be eaten quickly before leaving the house or even on-the-go:

• Egg muffins – Cook up a batch of muffins made from eggs mixed with chopped ham, turkey bacon, low fat cheese or veggies. They can be left in the fridge or freezer and then heated in the microwave.
• Nut butter and fruit sandwiches – Grab some whole-grain bread and coat with natural peanut or almond butter. Then top with sliced bananas, apples or strawberries.
• Fruit smoothie – Combine Greek yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit and ice in a blender. If the smoothie is too thick, add some milk.
• Breakfast tacos – Spread low-fat cheese and salsa on a whole-wheat tortilla. Fold in half and microwave.

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