After a night's sleep, the first meal of the day is important to re-supply both the body and brain with necessary nutrients and energy.
Why is breakfast important to a child's development?
A breakfast rich in cereals, milk and fruit will get a child's body and mind off to the best start. Breakfast provides almost 20% of our children's energy intake, reducing the need for snacking during the rest of the day.
Breakfast Cereals
Most breakfast cereals are high in carbohydrates, low in fat and are often fortified with vitamins and minerals. Today’s breakfast cereals are still based on the range of natural grains wheat, oats, rice, maize, barley, and rye which are slow-release energy carbohydrates but can also include other essential nutrients protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and fibre.
Breakfast Studies
Research has shown that children who consume a good breakfast have better memories and can solve problems more efficiently. And crucially, studies have found that the rate of being overweight, and obesity are significantly higher in children who skip breakfast, or eat smaller, less nutritious and filling breakfasts. The research also shows that children tend not to make up those missed nutrients during the day.
The British Nutrition Foundation and Magic Breakfast are joining forces to explore the link between the importance of breakfast for children and their health and wellbeing.
The aim of the new partnership, is to ensure that hunger is not a barrier to learning for school children across the UK and to measure the impact that a nutritious start to the day can have on learning outcomes.
The review will consider the outcomes of children most impacted by food insecurity and poor nutrition, which are often those living in low-income households.
Conclusion
While the study is geared at children, breakfast isn't just something children should consider. We know breakfast fuels the body and brain with necessary nutrients and energy, therefore eating breakfast is important for adults too.
Not everyone sees the importance of breakfast.
This made an interesting read. I enjoy a good breakfast, but I know lots of people who don't eat anything first thing and go to work on a strong coffee instead. I think breakfast is really important, but I must admit to getting bored if I eat the same old cereals day in and day out.
My favourite breakfast is one I had in a hotel while visiting our daughter at university. My favourite is a full english, probably not the most healthy of breakfasts. It's usually a holiday treat!
We probably all know someone who doesn't. I grew up on having to have breakfast. I was quite happy to have it. In terms of breakfast for children. I firmly believe it sets children up for the day.
It also means you're less likely to snack before lunch time. I grew up on porridge and that's my breakfast.