 |
|||
 |
|||
NOW- More Hip On Health!
|
|||
Healthy
|
|||
 |
|
Remember to Eat Breakfast!
Life today is increasingly hectic. Starting the day in a sprint and ending it exhausted is a familiar scenario for many childcare providers. Where does the energy come from to get through the day? In many cases, the fuel does not come from breakfast. Studies show that only 85 percent of Americans eat breakfast, although breakfast may consist of a candy bar or soda.There is overwhelming evidence that people who do not eat breakfast often have decreased attention span, memory, and problem-solving skills compared to people who do eat breakfast.
What is breakfast to you? Is it some combination of foods such as oatmeal, milk, fruit, toast, bacon, eggs, or hash browns? To many people, these are the "breakfast foods." But breakfast is not determined by what you eat. It is the time that you eat it that makes the difference. Breakfast is literally "breaking the fast" between your last meal of the previous day and the first meal of the current day.
One of the main reasons people do not eat breakfast is lack of time needed to prepare the "breakfast foods." But the body is not as particular about the type of food as it is about the nutrients in the food. There are many ready-to-eat options for the first meal of the day which are not only easier to prepare but often healthier than the traditional fare. Granola bars, individually packed juices, muffins, fresh fruit, yogurt, bagels, or even leftover pizza are all nourishing choices that can be grabbed and eaten on the way out the door. A complete breakfast can be made out of toaster pastries and white grape juice; cereal, low-fat milk, and bananas; yogurt, graham crackers, and apple halves; or muffins, cheese chunks, and orange quarters.
Plan ahead for family-style breakfast. Set aside five to ten minutes each night to set out the necessary plates, cups, and utensils needed for a quick sit-down breakfast. The responsibility for this chore can be rotated among family members. Then, get up 20 minutes earlier than usual so that your family can have time to share a meal and conversation before beginning the day. You may find that the extra time pays off in stronger communication among family members. You also may notice improvement in your overall performance for the day and less fatigue at night. Your children may show increased attentiveness and better comprehension in school, as indicated by research on the connection between eating breakfast and academic performance.
In a world of rapid change, some things remain the same. "Breaking the fast" with wholesome foods is the best way to begin your day.
By Keecha Harris, RD, LD
Breakfast Ideas
Make biscuits ahead of time and freeze individually. Then pull them out as you need them and fill with the left over meat from another meal. (Ham, steak, pork chops, roast beef, etc.)
Make a sandwich the night before if your schedule does not permit a sit-down breakfast. Remember to eat a piece of fruit or drink some fruit juice for a balanced meal.
Prepare ahead individual Quiche' (mixture can be found in the refrigerated section at the grocery store). Keep frozen until you need them. Use individual tart shells instead of making large pies.
If you like "breakfast" foods like French toast, prepare ahead and freeze or make the night before.
|
Healthy Childcare® Home Page | Library | Search | Questions & Answers | Links
I Am Amazing | Hip On Health | Health & Safety Resource Guide | Order Online
Product Spotlight | Free Issue | Publisher's Letter | Contact Us | Author Guidelines HEALTHY CHILD PUBLICATIONS Last Revised: |
||