Is There a Relationship Between Eating Breakfast and a GPA?

Is There a Relationship Between Eating Breakfast and a GPA?
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It's important for children to establish good eating habits while they are young. Children's eating habits often follow them into adulthood. Eating breakfast is an essential part of the day as it jump starts metabolism. Studies have shown that students who eat breakfast perform better in school and get better grades. It's important to choose healthy breakfasts that are low in saturated fats and sugars. Foods high in saturated fats and sugars lead to other health problems including heart disease.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Eating breakfast has shown to boost metabolism, increase energy levels and help children obtain essential vitamins and minerals. Eating breakfast may boost math, reading and standardized test scores. It also increases memory and a student's attention in class. Schools that provide breakfast have shown decreases in tardiness and suspensions. It's not guaranteed that eating breakfast will increase your GPA, but it has shown that it helps students learn, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports.

Breakfast

Eating a nutritional breakfast, especially with fruits, low-fat milk and food that is low in sugar and high in fiber, has shown to help decrease an individual's susceptibility to heart disease, obesity, stroke and diabetes. Individuals who eat breakfast are more likely to make healthier eating choices throughout the day. Children who regularly eat breakfast are less likely to be obese.

Make Good Breakfast Choices

Eating breakfast may help distract students from the effects of hunger by causing changes in neurotransmitter concentrations. Foods that are high in sugar tend to temporarily increase energy and then fall shortly after. Fiber helps to make the stomach feel full. An egg-white omelet with vegetables is a good choice. Leave the yolks out, as the yolks in eggs contain high levels of cholesterol. Many vegetables contain fiber and eggs are a good source of protein.

Considerations

If you often skip breakfast because you run out of time in the morning, prepare the meal the night before. Make sure you stock your pantry with healthful breakfast foods. Include healthy snacks that contain fiber and other essential nutrients. Some people take breakfast replacement shakes or protein shakes.

References

Article reviewed by Avraham Zuroff Last updated on: Aug 7, 2011

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