Ready Or Not, Here It Comes!

By Preschool Assistant Director, Margie Roumain

The new school year is almost here and the first challenge that comes to mind is “early morning breakfast.”  Hang tough parents, your little “master negotiators” will try to break you down to get that chocolate donut, cookie, or any other sweet thing they’re craving.

Don’t fall for it. Sweets will give them a quick sugar rush, only to have their bodies crash mid morning and leave them lethargic, inattentive, and hungry. Wouldn’t it be great if you sent them off every day with the optimum opportunity for success? The short answer is, “You can!” With a little research and planning, you can quickly create a “BBB!”  A “Brain Boosting Breakfast” rich in protein, good carbohydrates and fiber will power up the brain, keep them alert and sustain their body. You can jump start their day, while feeding and fueling them to perform at their maximum potential. In this fast paced life, parents look for ways to please their children with food they like.   I hear them say, “At least they eat something.” Unfortunately, most of what I see are processed foods and sugary drinks. Food that has “shelf life” is a major contributor to Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. The good news is we have access to studies enabling us to gain knowledge on the subject of health and nutrition. Since you are the parent, talk to your children about the foods that make them grow, and involve them in selecting “healthy” food at the market. Children tend to respond better if they take part in the planning and preparation. I actually compared a homemade breakfast prep time versus buying a meal at a drive -thru. It took me seven to ten minutes more at the drive thru and the nutritional value, let’s say, was definitely not “brain food.” Parents, you have the power … if you don’t buy, they can’t eat it! Let’s think out of the box; no one ever said we couldn’t eat broccoli for breakfast!

Here are some terrific and delicious choices:

  • “Wake Up Smoothie” – milk choice/yogurt, fruit, berries, kale, spinach, a little coconut oil, experiment until they find their favorite.
  • Bananas, apples, veggie with nut/seed butter
  • Berries/other fresh fruit, cottage cheese
  • Whole grain toast with nut/seed butter, eggs, fruit
  • Milk ( cow, almond, coconut)
  • Yogurt Parfait (layer berries, fruit, granola)
  • Raw veggies and hummus
  • Hot/cold low glycemic cereal, grains (oats, quinoa)

Healthy choices and good eating habits are some of the best lifelong gifts you’ll give your children. Research  continues and information changes, but what stays constant is scientific evidence that children who eat breakfast perform academically better than those who don’t. Teach by example, eat with them, and show them even grown ups need to kick start their brain. Our children are our most precious asset. Take charge and invest in their future … they are worth it!

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