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This year, National School Breakfast Week is March 8-12^th. The purpose and value of this National campaign is to emphasize the importance of eating a healthy breakfast every day. We believe in the importance of a healthy school breakfast and encourage students with our nutrition programs. Eating a healthy breakfast can help ensure students are ready to face the challenges of the school day and reach their full potential.

Why Breakfast? Breakfast allows for the body to refuel itself. Students who eat breakfast start their body’s natural metabolism process. The metabolism process helps the body burn calories, which will aid in maintaining a healthy body weight.

What are the benefits of a child eating breakfast? Studies have shown an increase in both attention skills and knowledge retention when students begin their day with a balanced, nutritious breakfast. Studies have also shown that students who skip breakfast are at higher risk for obesity due to over-eating later in the day, slower metabolism and the tendency to choose less healthy choices.

What are the best choices for breakfast?

• Whole grains and fiber. For boosting a child’s attention span, choose breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains and fiber such as cereals, toast and oatmeal. Oatmeal alone contains whole grain carbs that provide energy to the brain, and protein and fiber to make you feel full for a longer time and keep distracting hunger pangs away.
• Protein. Eggs are a great source of protein. Eggs contain vitamin B2, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. Eggs being in rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also excellent for brain health, improving memory and cognitive support. The protein from eggs will also keep your child feeling full until lunchtime.
• Fruit. Either in the form of a whole piece, fruit cup or a natural fruit juice, the benefits of eating fruit for breakfast are advantageous. Fruit such as berries are filled with sweet flavor and essential vitamins and minerals. The natural fruit sugars will help the body wake up and keep the mind and body energized. The fiber will also stimulate digestive juices in the stomach, which will help cleanse the body of waste.

Making a habit of eating a healthy breakfast will ensure that your child will have healthy eating habits as adults.