Taste & Techniques

Summer's almost over and you're preparing your kids to go back to school. Well, make sure you add breakfast food and snacks to your shopping list. One of the best ways to make sure your kids are in tip top shape for school - physically and intellectually - is making sure they do not skip breakfast.

It is especially vital for kids to eat breakfast because their growing bodies and developing brains require regular intake of food to keep them fueled up and recharged. Research shows that kids who eat healthy breakfasts concentrate better, have better problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination, miss fewer days of school, and are more creative and physically active.

In addition, eating breakfast is a great way for your kids to manage their weight and prevent obesity. A recent study by the University of Kansas Medical Center shows that when children eat a protein-rich breakfast versus carbohydrates, they are less hungry and eat fewer calories at lunch, which is important in maintaining good health.*

Skipping breakfast means depriving the body of food for as long as 18 hours at one time. This not only affects efficiency and performance, but when they finally do eat, kids tend to eat more food and higher calories than usual to make up for the hunger.

So next time you're at the market, remember to stock up on bagels, granola bars, or fruit. This way, if everyone's running just a little bit late in the morning, they can grab something quick and easy to eat for the road.

Here are some healthy breakfast options:
- Whole grains - whole-grain bread, bagels, cereals, low-fat bran muffins, crackers
- Fruits and vegetables
- Low-fat protein - eggs, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, turkey
- Low-fat dairy - skim milk, low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheeses

Breakfast food also makes a good, healthy snack alternative for the afternoon. Pack an extra granola bar or cereal box into your child's backpack so the next time he needs an afternoon snack, he has a healthier alternative to potato chips.

* http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146896.php
http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/most-important-meal



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