Your child likely wakes up starving each morning looking for something to ease those hunger pains. If sugary cereals, maple syrup and fried pastries like doughnuts are their go-to morning foods, you need to reassess the importance of breakfast and how it impacts your child's day. Sugary breakfast foods give your child an initial energy rush that disappears shortly after, leaving him tired, sluggish and hungry. Kids Health says that a healthy breakfast is an essential part of preparing your child for his day for a variety of reasons.
Improves School Performance
If your child is too tired to function well, he will not have the energy to learn at school. Healthy Children says that breakfast truly is the most important meal for your child because it gets her body going so she has energy throughout the day. A nutritious breakfast that includes whole grains, protein, vitamins and minerals will enable your child to concentrate and focus more effectively so she is more successful in the classroom. A healthy breakfast also benefits your child's memory, another important skill for school performance.
Increases Nutrient Intake
Not eating breakfast can cause your child to miss out on several important nutrients he needs for good overall health. Healthy Children says that breakfast is your first opportunity to ensure that your child consumes all of the nutrients he needs each day, particularly calcium and vitamin D. A bowl of cereal with milk supplies these two critical nutrients, as well as iron, fiber and B vitamins. Skipping breakfast on a regular basis may lead to nutritional deficiencies that impact your child's physical and mental health.
Encourages Physical Activity
Children who do not get enough exercise can become overweight and may also contribute to diseases like heart disease and diabetes as they get older. Eating a healthy breakfast that includes some protein, fiber and vitamins gets your child's metabolism going, which encourages physical activity throughout the day. Kids Health reports that children who eat breakfast every day are more likely to participate in physical activities than children who skip breakfast. Regular exercise keeps your child's body healthy and may also aid in preventing many health problems throughout her lifetime.
Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
According to Healthy Children, children who do not eat breakfast weigh more than children who do eat breakfast. Children who fail to eat breakfast often consume more calories throughout the day because they get so hungry that they end up eating too many calories, often from unhealthy foods. Eating a healthy breakfast also encourages your child to make healthy eating choices for the rest of the day, which can contribute to your child's ability to maintain a healthy weight.
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