The Brainier Breakfast

Sending your child off to school without breakfast is like taking your car out on the road with a near-empty gas tank. Simply put, children need fuel. Here’s why breakfast is the most important meal of the day for kids and adults.

Breakfast builds brighter brains:

Eating breakfast perks up the metabolism, which perks up the brain. A healthy breakfast wakes up the brain and gets it ready for learning and working.

Breakfast promotes better behaviour:

The biggest challenge faced by many school children is not maths or reading, it’s controlling their behavior. It’s hard to sit still and pay attention if you’re hungry and your blood sugar is dropping rapidly. Breakfast helps keep children lean.

Skipping breakfast makes children fat:

Research has shown that children who skip breakfast or eat a junk-food breakfast are more likely to be overweight. This is because breakfast sets the nutritional tone of the day. Studies have confirmed that people who eat a nutritious breakfast are more likely to eat healthier food throughout the rest of the day. In contrast, those who skip breakfast or begin the day with a junk-food breakfast may compensate for the lack of good nutrition in the morning by overeating the rest of the day. Eating more calories early in the day – a nutritional concept called frontloading--seems to curb evening binges.

Science says: Breakfasts builds smarter students:

Many research studies have compared children who skip breakfast or eat junk-food breakfasts to children who eat a healthy, balanced meal in the morning. The breakfast-eaters:

• Achieved higher grades

  Were more attentive and participated better in class

  Were less likely to be diagnosed with “A.D.D.” or “learning disabilities.”

  Had better reading and maths scores

  Handled complex tasks better

  Missed fewer school days because of illness

  Suffered less anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity 

  Showed improved memory

Brainy Breakfasts:

The main ingredients of a brainy breakfast are:

• Proteins that perk up the brain

• Fibre-filled carbs that provide a steady supply of fuel

• Omega 3 fats that build a smart brain in the first place

• Minerals, such as calcium and iron, that help brain biochemistry work better.

Examples of brainy breakfasts:

• Porridge with blueberries and Glenisk Natural Yogurt.

  Whole-grain toast topped with blueberries, and peanut butter.

  Whole-wheat banana nut bread and yogurt.

  A half cup of low-fat cottage cheese scooped into a melon.

  Whole-wheat toast topped with scrambled eggs and diced tomatoes.

  A vegetable omelette, whole-wheat toast, and a glass of milk.

  Peanut butter and banana slices on a whole-wheat English muffin with milk.

  A Glenisk Yogurt  or Fromage Frais, layered with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries in a small bowl. Drizzle honey over the top if plain yogurt is used. Sprinkle with almonds and/or flax-seed meal.

  Courgette pancakes. This is a long-standing Sears’ favorite that even our toddlers enjoyed. Add a cup of shredded courgettes zucchini to whole-wheat pancakes.

  A breakfast smoothie, containing Glenisk yogurt, fruit and flaxseed meal.