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Which of the following meals makes a nutritious, balanced breakfast?:
a) scrambled eggs with cheese
b) whole wheat toast with jam
c) coffee and bagel
d) slice of vegetable pizza and orange juice
The only answer is d). To find out why, read on.
If you're like most Canadians, you didn't make time for breakfast today. Studies show that breakfast is not a high priority for 4 million Canadian adults. And like most habits, they are passed onto the kids without recognizing the long term effects. A balanced breakfast provides three of the four food groups and sustains a child's energy until lunchtime. Breakfast should provide 25% of a child's daily energy.
Poor nutrition is a daily pattern for many school children, and has become a public health issue with negative consequences. And contrary to what you may believe, poor eating habits are not just found in inner cities and poor communities, but are found in all walks of life. Reality is, there's less time for meals with two working parents, single-parent families, early bus schedules and lack of adult supervision during mealtime. Children who make their own food choices are heavily influenced by media, particularly fast food franchisers.
Nutrition and Learning
The Canadian Living Foundation promoted National Breakfast for Learning Week to increase awareness of the importance of child nutrition and learning. Without adequate nutrition, children cannot learn. Without optimal learning, children cannot develop into contributing members of society.
The importance between child nutrition and learning is vital. A 1996 evaluation of one School Meal Program found that students who eat a nutritious meal concentrate better, attend school more regularly, are less aggressive, less anxious, cope better with stress, and have better school performance.
To give your child a head start, try the following tips:
• Turn the TV off and sit together at the table.
• Set up a "jiffy breakfast bar" on a tray. Include favourite breads, muffins, spreads, cereals and fruits the family enjoys. Keep a supply of spoons, glasses, mugs and bowls right on the tray for self-serve.
• Spend some time with the kids drawing up weekly breakfast menus; call them "specials of the house."
• If time or poor morning appetites are your challenge, try offering your kids this easy, quick shake idea.
Peanut Butter Banana Shake
1 cup milk, white or chocolate
2 tbsp. Smooth peanut butter
1 ripe banana, peeled and frozen
In blender, puree until smooth, Makes 2 servings.
Source:
1. Canadian Living Foundation, Press Release, September 28, 1998
2. A Fact Finding Summary of School and Community Nutrition Program for Children.
3. The Value of Breakfast for Children: A new look at an old truth. Lynn McIntyre and K. Man Herel. Dalhousie University.
Anita Romaniw is the community Nutritionist for the Fraser Valley Health Region in British Columbia, Canada.
