Start with Breakfast and make it Healthy!

Kids, start your engines, school is in!  Just don’t forget to fill up your gas tank before you head out the door. 

Wouldn’t it be great if we could give our kids a magic potion every morning that would give them super memory, concentration and balanced moods?  The fact is you can!  A good quality, balanced breakfast provides your child’s brain with the energy and nutrients it needs to perform and behave in top form.

Research has shown that kids (and adults) who eat a good breakfast can improve test scores, feel calmer, react quicker, think better, maintain mental alertness and are more positive.  In one study, children who ate breakfast gained 1/3 more in math scores over children who didn’t have breakfast and their behaviour in class improved as well.  This is a boon for the teachers!

Simply eating something in the morning however, isn’t as important as what your child is eating.  All too often, kids reach for the cold, packaged cereals loaded with sugar, spiced up with artificial flavours and coated in synthetic colours.  In a study conducted by Tufts University, psychologists compared the effects of oatmeal and cold, ready-to-eat cereal.  The group consuming oatmeal showed marked improvements in spatial memory, short term memory and attention. 

Oatmeal, one of the world’s most nutritious grains, is metabolized slowly so provides a sustained level of energy.   It also feeds a growing body with B vitamins, potassium and iron.  Add a handful of blueberries, ground flax seed and walnuts, sprinkle with cinnamon, sweeten with Stevia (an alternative sweetener that doesn’t affect blood sugar levels), add a hint of vanilla and you give your child a powerful and delicious start to the day. 

If oatmeal is a challenge, try any other whole grain, like rye, spelt, kamut or rice flakes.  Remember, what’s important is quality food.  Avoid products that contain preservatives, artificial colours, artificial flavours, or are fortified with synthetic vitamins.  These nutrient deficient products can cause hyperactivity and diminish concentration.  Whole grain breads can be beneficial as well, especially if the grains are sprouted.  They provide a plethora of nutrients including protein.  Add some nut butter or poached eggs and your child is set for a day of wowing the teachers. 

The bottom line here is breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.  For your child, consuming a healthy, complete breakfast can make the difference between a smooth running engine and one that peters out mid morning.  Optimize his chances for success with a supercharged “Brain Breakfast” and I guarantee you will notice a difference.