The benefits of eating breakfast before school especially for young people is important for many reasons.
Boost Energy Levels
When you wake up and eat breakfast, it provides the glucose your body needs for energy to get through the day. When you sleep, you’re technically fasting.
Improves Alertness, Concentration, and Metal Performance
Eating breakfast presents an opportunity to choose foods that may boost your memory further. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in ground flaxseed, may help improve memory. When the day starts with breakfast, students can focus on the task at hand better and become less distracted by outside influences and other students.
Healthy Breakfast Can Decrease Obesity
Studies have shown that consuming breakfast first thing in the morning greatly decreases hunger and cravings throughout the day. A lot of people skip breakfast to avoid eating extra calories, but by eating a high-fiber, nutrient-dense breakfast early in the morning, you are actually less likely to be hungry throughout the day.
Feel Happier
Going for a breakfast that is high in carbohydrates like oatmeal can drastically improve your mood in the morning. When you sleep for eight hours or more, your body loses nutrients and we can become irritable when we wake up. When you supply your body with the energy it needs, you feel more satisfied and happy throughout the day.
Include 3 Main Sources of Nutrients in your Child’s Breakfast before School
- Carbohydrates: whole-grain cereals, brown rice, whole-grain breads and muffins, fruits, vegetables
- Protein: low-fat or nonfat dairy products, lean meats, eggs, nuts (including nut butters), seeds, and cooked dried beans
- Fiber: whole-grain breads, waffles, and cereals; brown rice, bran, and other grains; fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts