Breaking the Fast

In today's fast paced lifestyle there is a trend toward little or no breakfast. Quite often, children seen mid-morning in the health room complaining of a stomachache or headache, have skipped breakfast because they were in a hurry. Even when rushed, a child can pour and drink a glass of milk or juice and eat a slice of bread or some crackers. Sometimes breakfast is "avoided" because the child doesn't like standard breakfast fare. Remember to stress to your child the importance of the breakfast meal and suggest some variation from the routine. Many of these can be prepared quickly for an "on the go" meal. Here are some variations from the routine - remember to include fruit or fruit juice for sustained energy as well as needed vitamins.

1. Milkshake: orange juice, powdered milk, sugar and cinnamon to taste

2. Cereal with fruit and milk

3. Milkshake: milk, peanut butter, banana

4. Toasted cheese sandwich, orange juice

5. "Leftovers" from the night before

6. Peanut butter and banana sandwich, milk

7. Yogurt mixed with fruit, sprinkled with granola

8. Cheese, fruit, whole grain crackers

9. Mixed nuts, raisins, glass of milk

10. Egg salad sandwich, apple juice

Breakfast eaters show greater concentration, more energy, and better muscle coordination in the morning. They score higher on tests. They are less likely to act out in the classroom in an irritable and lethargic/tired manner. Eating a balanced and nutritious breakfast will help your child achieve his/her optimum performance at school all day long.