Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Test your Breakfast IQ to make sure you’re getting a healthy, happy start to your day.
- Kids Who Regularly Eat Breakfast:
a. Generally have higher math grades
b. Are less depressed, anxious and hyperactive
c. Are more likely to attend class
d. Are more likely to be on time for class
e. All of the above
The answer is (e), All of the above according to a study in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. The study found that kids who often ate breakfast were better equipped to tackle the school day.(1)
- True or False?
Eating breakfast helps a child's ability to learn.
True. When kids are feeling hungry, their attention span is shorter and their ability to concentrate is reduced.(2) After a nutritious breakfast, kids perform better in school through increased problem-solving ability, memory, verbal fluency and creativity.(3)
- True or False?
Breakfast is only important for kids.
False. Eating a nutritious breakfast is important for people of all ages (kids, teenagers, and adults). Studies show that skipping breakfast has the same results for both kids and adults. Because your brain needs nutrients and energy to work properly, skipping breakfast hurts memory and mental performance.(4)
- True or False?
Kids who eat breakfast are more likely to be overweight.
False. In reality, kids who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight.(5) Why? Eating breakfast establishes the regular eating pattern that's important for weight control throughout life. When kids have set mealtimes, their appetite is regulated, meaning they are less likely to fill up on high-fat foods later in the day.(6)
- True or False?
Without breakfast, it's difficult for kids to eat enough throughout the day to obtain all of the nutrients they need.
True. A healthy breakfast can account for a significant part of a child's nutritional needs. Kids who skip breakfast are less likely to get the daily nutrients they need, such as fibre and essential vitamins or minerals.(7)
- True or False?
Kids who see their parents eat breakfast are more likely to eat breakfast.
True. Parents set the example for their kids – if kids see their parents eat breakfast, they are more likely to eat breakfast themselves.(8) Parents and kids both need the energy provided by a nutritious breakfast, so why not eat breakfast as a family and enjoy the time together?
- A Balanced and Healthy Breakfast Can Include:
a. Two servings from the bread, cereal, rice and pasta group
b. One serving from the fruit group, such as Minute Maid® Premium orange juice
c. One serving from the milk, yogurt, and cheese group
d. All of the above
The answer is (d), All of the above according to the American Dietetic Association, typical breakfast foods like fruit, fruit juice, ready-to-eat cereal, dairy products and breads are excellent ways to start the day.(9)
(1) Murphy, J.M. et al. The Relationship of School Breakfast to Psychosocial and Academic Functioning, Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, September 1998, Volume 152, Number 9, p. 899-907.
(2) American Dietetic Association, "Breakfast: A Healthy Start for You and Your Child" 1996 Fact Sheet.
(3) Based on Does Breakfast Make A Difference In School?, by Ernesto Pollit, Ph.D., published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, October 1995.
(4) American Dietetic Association, "Young Adults Most Likely to Miss A.M. Meal, Study Shows," May 6, 1996.
(5) American Dietetic Association, "Calling All Parents: Wake Up Your Kids to Breakfast" 1997 Fact Sheet.
(6) American Dietetic Association, "Breakfast: A Wake-Up Call to Parents," February 28, 1996.
(7) American Dietetic Association, "Breakfast: A Healthy Start for You and Your Child" 1996 Fact Sheet.
(8) American Dietetic Association, "Calling All Parents: Wake Up Your Kids to Breakfast" 1997 Fact Sheet.
(9) American Dietetic Association, "A Nutritious Start Helps Kids Learn and Stay Healthy" 1996 Fact Sheet.
