Many children hate to have breakfast before school. But breakfast skippers are more likely to become overweight or obese, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol level and high insulin levels, putting them at risk of type 2 diabetes. Skipping breakfast also affect kids’ mental performance. Studies show that children who don’t have breakfast have reduced attention and visual memory, as well as lower levels of energy and cheerfulness.
Healthy breakfasts can include:
- ‘Wholegrain’, ‘Natural’ or ‘Organic’ porridge, muesli, granola or cereals. (Check the sugar and salt content on labels. Serve with semi-skimmed milk and fresh berries.)
- Brown toast
- Fresh fruit salad, fruit juice, smoothie without added sugar
- Low-fat milk, low fat cheese
- Boiled, poached or scrambled eggs
- A cup of milk, herbal tea.
If time is tight, try a piece of fruit, unsweetened yoghurt plus a sustained-energy breakfast biscuit containing no high-fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated oils.