Why it’s important for kids not to skip brekkie during isolation
It really is the most important meal of the day.
By Kathleen Alleaume
Like many families, being at home with young kids while working remotely every single day is challenging. But to ensure each day gets off on the right foot, it’s important to keep a similar school/work rhythm, including regular breaks and meal-times.
Start with breakfast. There’s truth to the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Research from 2019 revealed consuming whole grains at breakfast makes you crave less added sugars, refined grains and unhealthy snacks throughout the day. As for kids, eating a healthy and balanced breakfast is positively associated with brain function and academic achievement, they’re also more likely to engage in increased physical activity.
Founder of The Right Balance, Kathleen Alleaume is a Nutritionist, exercise physiologist, keynote speaker and author.
Easy brekkie gets nutrition tick
Grabbing a bowl of breakfast cereal for your children may be more than a quick-fix. As well as being the most popular and convenient way to start the day, it also scores big for your nutrition buck, provided you choose wisely.
Besides fruit and vegetables, cereal grains are one of the easiest ways to boost your daily fibre intake. Other than supporting digestive health, fibre is digested slowly providing the body with lots of healthy and long-burning energy. Choose whole grain varieties that are not only typically higher in fibre but contain the kind of carbs that have a much gentler effect on blood sugar levels, keeping appetite in check.
The last thing you want is to be mindlessly munching throughout the day or having your kids pester you for snacks. And adding toppings like milk, yoghurt or nuts will balance out the meal with rich protein sources. A balanced breakfast containing both fibre and protein should make you feel more energised throughout the day.
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There’s truth to the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Make a breakfast a no-brainer
Instead of getting up and asking what the entire family want for breakfast – have a plan. It may help to limit weekday to whole grain cereal and milk and leave the cooked breakfast for the weekend. This eliminates indecision, while ensuring everyone starts the day with goodness in their tummies. Better still, lay out bowls on the kitchen bench and have the cereal ready to pour, and chop fruit the night before.
Have a back-up plan.
At the best of times, things don’t always go to plan, and sitting down to enjoy breakfast isn’t possible. Don’t fret, pre-packaged bites can still fit the breakfast bill. A high-fibre and low GI option, Uncle Tobys Oats Breakfast Bakes contain the same amount of whole grain oats as a bowl of porridge (a 34g original quick sachet). Options like these can be easily eaten with a piece of fruit or yoghurt and a glass of water for a well-balanced breakfast.
Get the kids involved
Some kids are naturally excited by food, others couldn’t care less about it, but turning food preparation into a shared experience is a simple and fun way to engage them. As children prepare food, they get to see, touch, smell and taste. This activity also provides opportunity for them to learn about how different foods are fundamental to their growth and development.
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