We’ve talked before about back to school nutrition tips, today, we are focusing on breakfast. 

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all, you are breaking your fast after a night’s sleep, and that is especially true for kids because a good breakfast will allow them to maintain better focus throughout their day. 

Benefits of breakfast for children
Having a proper meal for breakfast will increase your child’s attention and fuel his body to perform better and get good grades at school. It will also allow him to be more energetic and participate in physical activities. Breakfast also decreases the risk of childhood obesity, because people who skip breakfast tend to eat more calories throughout the day. 

What makes a “Good” breakfast for children?
Giving your child a balanced breakfast means mixing carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Carbs are the best source of instant energy for the brain and body; protein helps give a feeling of fullness until lunchtime and with proper liquid intake, fibers will help keep your kid’s digestive tract healthy by preventing constipation and lowering cholesterol. If your child tends to skip breakfast because he sleeps too late, any breakfast is better than no breakfast. Yet, try not to give your child donuts or croissants or manakich all the time. They are high in calories, fat, and sugar, and don’t offer the proper nutrients that a kid needs. 

Healthy quick breakfast ideas

Here are some quick healthy breakfast options that you can give your kid in the morning before heading out to school:
-Whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk with a fruit
-Whole-grain bread sandwich with turkey or low-fat spreadable cheese with a cucumber or tomato
-Whole wheat toast and eggs with vegetables
–Peanut butter and apple with a cup of low-fat milk
-Most importantly, don’t forget to give him water! It makes up half of his body’s weight and keeps it functioning properly. 

Christelle Bedrossian
Dietitian-Nutritionist
Beirut, Lebanon