Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. It delivers the body with the energy and vital nutrients needed to carry out daily tasks and kick start the day off in a perfect way. Breakfast is especially important for kids, as it fuels your child’s growing body and mind. Skipping it can make kids feel cranky, lethargic and unable to concentrate in class.
Take this two-minute read to understand why breakfast is essential for your kids and healthy options.
Also Read: Try These Protein Packed Desi Breakfast Ideas
Why Breakfast Is So Important For Kids?
Children are growing, playing, learning and building energy reserves at a constant rate. After a night of sound sleep, their stomach is empty, and they need proper nourishment to kick-off their day.
Several pieces of evidence have disclosed that kids who eat breakfast:
Have improved memory, concentration span, and problem-solving, thereby performing well academically.
Stay active and attentive in class.
Better mood and less irritability.
Stimulate metabolism and healthy growth.
Also Read:5 Nutritious Breakfast Ideas To Kick Start Your Day - Listicle
5 Reasons Why Kids Should Not Skip Breakfast?
Promotes Cognitive Function
A wholesome breakfast has been shown to enhance cognitive function and concentration span in children. Even studies have shown that children who have their breakfast perform well, have better memory power and experience less fatigue throughout the day.
Improves Physical Health
Skipping breakfast eventually leads to weight gain, as children are more likely to make unhealthy food choices later in the day. Thus, eating a wholesome breakfast promotes overall health and well-being.
Better Mood
Children who miss their breakfast are more likely to experience irritability, lack enthusiasm, and difficulty focusing. Eating breakfast can help to stimulate mood and behaviour, leading a better academic performance.
Promotes Nutrient Absorption
A healthy breakfast offers a good chance for kids to obtain key nutrients needed for their growth and development. Choose from a rich array of nutrient-rich breakfast options like millet idly, ragi dosa, oatmeal with fruits and nuts, and egg toast. These foods offer a diverse range of vitamins, minerals, protein and energy essentials for proper functioning of the system.
Healthy Breakfast Options for School-Going Kids
Vegetable Upma or Poha
Poha upma or regular vegetable upma is a light on the tummy, a traditional breakfast packed with the goodness of fiber and energy.
Eggs
Eggs are a superior quality protein, heaped with choline and other brain-friendly nutrients that keep the kids active and satiated all through the day. Eggs can be relished as boiled, scrambled or omelette with veggies.
Whole Wheat Toast
Multigrain toast with peanut butter and banana offers the kids with right blend of carbs, protein and healthy fats. Easy to make, tasty and perfect for hectic mornings.
Idli or Dosa with Sambar/Chutney
Idli or dosa is a wholesome, filling and classic breakfast option that confers the kids with a good combination of carbs, protein and probiotics.
Smoothie
Smoothie is an easy and on-the-go breakfast option packed with the goodness of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Blend milk or yogurt with fruits of your choice, with nuts, and oats to make it more nutritious.
Conclusion
Breakfast need not be very lavish or time-consuming. Proper planning the night before can make the morning more relaxed and less stressful, while guaranteeing your child the right energy and nutrition to start the day well and stay alert and focused in school.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Effects of eating breakfast on children and adolescents: A systematic review of potentially relevant outcomes in economic evaluations
Martina Lundqvist 1, Nicklas Ennab Vogel 1, Lars-Åke Levin 1,*
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6744840/
A healthy breakfast each and every day is important for students' motivation and achievement
Andrew J. Martin, Keiko C.P. Bostwick ,Emma C. Burns ,Vera Munro-Smith c
,Tony George
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022440524000189
