Try as they might, Adults hardly ever eat Breakfast in the morning and now many students are adopting this poor habit which is proving to be detrimental to their overall mental and physical health.
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According to Research studies conducted in 2023, 30% of Elementary school students go to school, at least, once a week on an empty stomach, 20% go without Breakfast twice a week and about 15% of school-age kids DON'T EAT BREAKFAST AT ALL. The older children get, the more likely they will skip Breakfast. https://www.chrichmond.org/services/gastroenterology-and-nutrition/feeding/the-importance-of-breakfast
I've seen it First-hand
While visiting Elementary schools, there have been several instances where at least 2/20 students, per class, report that they didn't eat Breakfast and when I inquire as to why, MOST say it's because they didn't have time or they don't have any/many options to choose from.
The Domino Effect of a HANGRY (Hungry & Angry) Mood when a student skips Breakfast:
You go to sleep and don't eat for 8-10 hrs ⏩ you wake up hungry ⏩ instead of eating Breakfast you rush out the door to get to school on time ⏩ 5 minutes into class your stomach starts growling ⏩ your head starts hurting and you can't concentrate ⏩ now you're HANGRY (Hungry and Angry) and you have to wait another 2-3 hours to eat (at Lunch) = You come to the realization that skipping Breakfast wasn't such a good idea after all.
So what's the Big Deal Anyway??
Breakfast is commonly known as "The Most Important Meal of the Day" and rightfully so. This is because Breakfast (food in general) plays a major role in the regulating one's energy and mood.
Eating a [Healthy] Breakfast has several benefits but here are the Top 3:
Eating breakfast helps jump-start your metabolism for the day. Metabolism is the body's process of breaking down sugars, in food, to get the much needed fuel the body needs.
Eating breakfast helps you meet your (overall) nutritional needs for the day which includes fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains (Fiber, Vitamins, Minerals).
Eating breakfast helps with concentration, alertness and memory; all are important for learning.
So how do you stop kids from skipping Breakfast?
Here are the Top 3 Tips:
Practice what you preach. When your kids see you do it then they're more likely to do it…and less begrudgingly.
Prepare the night before or get everyone up 5-10 minutes early.
Stock the pantry with healthy and easy, grab-and-go items.
With so many food options available, there is essentially no excuse for skipping Breakfast. Breakfast truly improves how you feel and how you function so make your meal choice(s) wisely.
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Sincerely, your TRUSTED Health Educator
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P.S. If you're looking for a speaker to discuss easy and practical ways to keep our kids safe and healthy then consider hiring me for a virtual chat or workshop. To find out more about my topics, visit https://sandracoliny.wixsite.com/colinyconsultingllc
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P.S.S. Stay tuned for HealthEd4KIDS first fun and educational product specially designed to KEEP our kids healthy!
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