A is for Apple B is for Breakfast

The new school year is here and whether you’ve just headed back to grade school, middle school, high school or college, there is one important component that relates to all of our patients doing well in school this year…its breakfast! 

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We’re sure you have heard it a million times before…Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But why? Was this slogan made up by the Poultry Industry to get us to eat more eggs? Or what about the Quaker Oats Guy? Did he start saying this in 1901 so that we would all eat more oatmeal? 

”Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is no sales pitch…it’s the truth. 

Eating breakfast provides you with the energy and nutrients that lead to increased concentration in the classroom. In general, kids and teens who eat breakfast have more energy, do better in school and eat healthier throughout the day. According to pediatrician, Dr. William Sears, children who eat breakfast tend to participate more in class discussions, are better able to handle complex problems in class and get better grades. 

Evidence suggests that eating breakfast really does help you learn. A developing brain needs a fresh supply of glucose after a night of fasting. Without glucose your brain doesn't operate as well. You will have difficulty understanding new information, you’ll have problems with visual and spatial understanding and you won’t remember things as easily. 

Now, we’re not saying that you’re going to get straight A’s just because you grabbed a Pop-Tart on the way out the door in the morning. But there is something to be said for this whole “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”.   

Don’t Skip Breakfast

3 Tips on Eating a Quick and Healthy Breakfast Each and Every Day 

1. Eat at least one thing from each of the following food groups: Breads/Grains (cereal, toast, muffin), Dairy (low-fat yogurt, low-fat milk) and Fruits/Vegetables (bananas, apples, carrots). 
2. Grab a portable breakfast. Fruit, low-fat yogurt, whole grain breakfast bars or granola bars will work in a pinch on those mornings when you have to eat breakfast on the go. 
3. Get up 15 minutes earlier.  Did you know that you can prepare and eat a healthy breakfast in 15 minutes or less…especially if you plan ahead? You can save time by putting out the box of cereal or cutting up fruit the night before. 

 

If you aim for a breakfast that combines good carbs and fiber with a little protein each morning, you’ll have more energy and set the stage for smart decisions all day long.