The Best Breakfasts For Children

Experts all agree that actively growing children need wholesome food at regular intervals to fuel their bodies and brains. Skipping breakfast means your little ones are going at least 10-12 hours without food, and limits their potential not only for stronger bodies, but limits their abilities to do well in school.

Other proven benefits of a healthy breakfast for children include:

• Better body weight regulation
• An overall healthier diet
• More likely to be physically active
• Improved ability to concentrate and perform in school

Few parents would disagree with the need for the children to eat healthy…but who has the time to provide a nutritious breakfast every morning, right?

Wrong.

How To Build Better Breakfasts For Your Child

For the sake of time, and to anticipate what they might have a taste for, try to plan for breakfast the night before. Also, healthier breakfasts don’t always have to be time-consuming, or made from scratch.

Here are some healthy ideas:

• Whole-wheat bagel, cream cheese and a side of fruit
• Pre-packaged multi-grain pancakes/waffles and frozen turkey sausage
• Yogurt, fruit, and a whole-wheat bagel or slice of toast
• Low-sugar, multi-grain  cereal with low-fat milk and fresh fruit
• Whole-grain English muffin with peanut butter and a glass of low-fat milk
• A breakfast burrito with scrambled egg and grated low-fat cheese and fresh fruit

If time is a factor, make breakfast portable, such as sandwiches, dry multi-grain cereal in a sandwich baggie and an individual carton of milk. Or, grab a Nutrigrain bar and a piece of fruit.

Breakfasts To Avoid

Avoid giving children sweeter foods for breakfast, such as doughnuts, pastries, or cereals that are higher in sugar.