Boost Your Brainpower with BREAKFAST!

Back to school means getting back in the habit of an early breakfast to start the day.  Breakfast is an important part of a healthful diet, yet tends to be the meal that is most often neglected or skipped. Research has shown that children who eat breakfast perform better academically than children who do not eat breakfast. Why, you ask? Eating breakfast is very important for both the brain and the body first thing in the morning. Breakfast is the first time that the body has to replenish its stores of glucose (blood sugar- the brain's main source of fuel) after at least 8-10 hours of fasting! Having a meal in the morning jump starts your metabolism and gives your body the energy that it needs to start the day.
A super nutritious breakfast should have at least: one serving of whole grains, one serving of fruit and either one serving of a calcium rich food or a protein (or both). Try these healthful breakfasts to jump start the day:
-Whole grain cereal with nonfat milk and fruit
-Oatmeal with sliced almonds, fruit and milk
-Vegetable omelet with a slice of whole grain bread and fruit
-Whole grain toast or waffle with peanut butter (or soynut butter) and sliced bananas on top
-Breakfast quesadilla or burrito (whole grain tortillas filled with eggs and veggies)
-Smoothie (fresh fruit, yogurt, a teaspoon of wheatgerm or flaxseed oil blended together).

There is no rule that you have to have breakfast foods at breakfast. If you or your child's taste buds crave other types of foods in the morning try: A toasted whole grain English muffin with turkey or ham and a piece of fruit, Vegetable pizza (on a whole grain English muffin or pita bread), Rice and beans and a fruit, or anything that appeals to your tastes (and is healthful)! 

Enjoy!