Breakfast was always my favorite part of the day, mainly because all I ever thought about was food when I was a kid. I was a "healthy" eater, let's put it that way. I think I probably dreamt about food, and at a point in my childhood I was dubbed "Mikey" that kid that would eat everything back in the 80's. Everyone would say, "give it to Steph, she'll eat ANYTHING!" That was only partly true- I never did eat rocks or anything like that.
sugar = hyperactivity
Breakfast is a vital part of any kid's day, especially the picky eaters. You are "breaking a fast" when you eat that first meal of the day. If you get eight hours of sleep, yet don't get your first meal until two or more hours after you wake up, that's ten hours without food in a twenty four hour period. Far too long for the body to go without nutrients. Going too long without eating can cause hypoglycemia, catabolism (muscle wasting), and a slowed metabolism to name just a few. While breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it's also WHAT you eat that makes a difference in your mental and physical performance for the rest of the day.
The biggest farce when it comes to breakfast foods are the sugar covered nuggets of corn or wheat that are boxed up in enticing containers and stuffed with lame "prizes" that aim to get the attention of young children. Who wants to argue with a kid in a grocery store who just needs to get his sugar fix? So you skip the old fashioned quaker oats and you reach for the Fruit Loops or Pop Tarts to shut the screaming kid in the cart up, you've now created an addicted monster. You might as well swing on over to the candy aisle and pick up some red vines to use as straws for the liter of Pepsi you plan to let the kid quench his thirst with while you're at it. These breakfast items are worthless excuses for nutrition.
Every human being- adults and children alike need a mixture of complex carbs and protein at their first meal of the day. Protein offers important amino acids for strong muscles and the complex carbohydrates will gradually raise blood sugar levels, are full of fiber and will contribute to lasting energy. Old Fashioned oatmeal, Ezekiel Toast, eggs and turkey bacon or sausage are all good substitutes for the Frosted Flakes or Toaster Strudels.
If your child suffers from A.D.D., minor adjustments in his or her diet may be all they need to avoid the use of prescription drugs. Cutting out fast digesting sugary cereals and treats that contribute to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and obesity is the key to helping your child focus better, have more energy and feel great all day long.
