Fasting All Night
In your kids' minds, they're just sleeping all night. However, their bodies are under the impression that they're actually fasting. Hence the name for breakfast. Eating a good breakfast gives their brains a healthy dose of glucose, which is the fuel the brain uses to do its job. Without breakfast, children can end up confused about what they're supposed to be doing when they're in class, and critical information is almost impossible for them to maintain for any period of time.
Energy
For most parents, they wake up in the morning and stumble toward the coffee pot with maybe only one eye open. Their real energy doesn't come around until after they've had at least one cup of coffee. While you don't want to give your kids coffee, for obvious reasons, they do need to wake up, just like you do. Giving them a healthy breakfast not only fuels their brains, but it also fuels their bodies for the day that lies ahead of them.
Academic Success
Studies have been done regarding the differences between children who do eat breakfast and those who don't, or who eat unhealthy food for breakfast. In every single study, it's amazing how much better the grades are for those students who eat a healthy meal first thing in the morning. Your child's academic success depends in part on making sure he or she is getting a nutritious meal before leaving home.
Quick Breakfast Ideas
Are you pressed for time first thing in the morning? There are plenty of healthy breakfast options out there that you can fix for your kids in a hurry. Try:
- Putting some oatmeal in the crockpot the night before. Kids can add their own fruit for a meal that's ready for them immediately.
- Opting for healthy granola bars and a piece of fruit.
- Finding some new, healthy options for cereal the next time you go to the store (the less sugar, the better!)
- Click here for more fun ideas for breakfast your kids will love!