The American Academy of Pediatrics reports 20-30 percent of adolescents skip breakfast. Experts believe some kids, especially girls, skip breakfast in an effort to control weight. In reality, skipping breakfast is more likely to cause weight gain.
Research shows that regularly eating breakfast can have significant positive implications for student’s behavior, academic achievement, health, and well being.
Children who eat breakfast are more likely to:
- Perform better in reading and score 17.5 % higher on standardized math tests
- Concentrate better
- Be more alert
- Retain more of what they learn
- Participate in class
- Have fewer emotional and behavior problems
- Have reduced absenteeism and tardiness
- Feel better with fewer complaints of headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue
- Maintain a healthy weight and have a lower BMI
Seven Fast and Healthy Breakfast Ideas:
- Energy/Protein Bars
- Yogurt (add fruit and a handful of nuts)
- Dried or fresh fruit with cheese and nuts
- Hard boiled eggs made ahead are easy to carry and eat
- Cereal or Oatmeal with low fat milk
- Homemade Trail Mix (make ahead small bags with nuts, seeds, whole grain cereals, and dried fruit)
- Peanut butter on whole grain bread
Remember, a few extra minutes of preparation before heading to bed can save a hungry belly and many a headache the next morning.
Written by: Lisa Skiffington, Medford School Nurse