It’s cliche to say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but there is a reason why this is such a prevalent statement. Studies have shown many health benefits of eating breakfast, such as maintaining a healthy weight and having increased energy throughout the day. Research also shows that eating breakfast can have academic benefits for children as well. To ensure your child’s academic success, it is important that they eat a high-quality, healthy breakfast every day.
Type of breakfast
While eating any type of breakfast provides an advantage, certain types of breakfast are more effective than others. Recent research indicates that food with a low glycemic index (GI) is the best option for breakfast. This may be because there is a more sustained blood sugar response, giving your child energy throughout the day, which helps them concentrate for longer periods of time. Examples of low-GI breakfasts that your child may enjoy include:
- Veggie omelet and milk
- Yogurt with berries and whole-grain cereal
- Oatmeal with apples, cinnamon, and walnuts
- Whole wheat toast topped with tomatoes, avocado, and cheese
- Low-sugar cereal with milk and fruit
- String cheese, fruit, and pumpkin seeds
Eating breakfast regularly
It is not only important to have a high-quality breakfast, but to eat breakfast frequently. This is likely because eating breakfast every day contributes to overall better nutrition, which is associated with better academic performance. A study in Korea found that students who ate breakfast five days a week were more successful than their peers who either only ate breakfast occasionally or didn’t eat breakfast at all. Students who ate breakfast two times a week also saw some improvement in performance, but to get the most benefits out of eating breakfast, your child should eat it every day.
Everyone is aware of the importance of a healthy diet for children’s development, yet children in the United States are both overfed and undernourished. Childhood obesity is on the rise, and the majority of children do not get the minimum recommended daily vegetable or fruit intakes. Poor nutrition not only leads to chronic health issues, it also has an impact on academic performance. Children who get enough of the right nutrients have increased cognitive ability and alertness, setting them up for success. Good nutrition starts with breakfast. To ensure your child’s academic success, make sure that they eat a high-quality breakfast every day.