Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, yet it is often the most forgotten meal by so many. Very few eat healthy and correctly in the morning. The most common habit is to grab a cup of coffee and eat some pastry, and start the day.
Even though you might have slept the whole night, during that time the body continued to function, and has consumed energy that you need to recover. The pediatric gastroenterologist Margarita Pich at the Teknon Clinic said in this regard that breakfast, “is important throughout one’s life, not just during a particular period of time”. She states that 25% of the body’s caloric intake varies between 1300 calories for a toddler below three years old and over 2000 for a teenager. “Above all, nutrition is crucial for children during their growth”.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, formerly known as the American Dietetic Association, mentioned that, “the type of foods children consume at breakfast can impact their learning ability and their health”. When the child is in developmental stage, school and extracurricular activities will demand greater physical and intellectual effort. That is why a good and substantial meal in the morning will permit the child to focus better at school, maintain a healthy weight and lower unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Important industry makers confirm that a good breakfast may prevent irritability, anxiety and the urge to snack at odd times. As mentioned, children who eat a substantial breakfast will receive the necessary nutrients for the body; they’ll maintain a good body weight thanks to a balanced diet, as well, they will receive the right caloric proportion throughout the day, which will help them replace the 600 calories lost during sleep.
Furthermore, this is the time of the day where children consume most dairy products. This helps in the formation of their teeth and bones, as the body mainly obtains calcium through ingested food, and helps prevents osteoporosis in the long run.
To sum up, a good breakfast has the following benefits:
-Allows the child to recover the energy lost after sleeping for 10 to 12 hours, without any food intake.
-Contributes in dietary balance and the proportional and regular assimilation of foods and nutrients.
-Avoids sudden fatigue during mid-morning, and guaranties the child to be in good health, focused and perform efficiently in class.
-Controls body weight thanks to a balanced nutrition.