It has been described as the most important meal of the day.
And for children, breakfast is a very important meal. It is a time, when the
developing body is in need of its first food of the day, food that will kick
start their metabolism for a day of learning fun and action. Children are
little volcanoes, moving in all directions, but requiring the proper fuel
to meet their specific needs.
For the breakfasts of yesteryear, Cream of wheat, Oat Bran,
Red River Cereal and Oatmeal were menu favourites... To this
day they are still favourites of mine!.. Introducing children to these old timers and
other newcomers goes a long way to building a morning eating routine that will
stand the test of time while fortifying mind and body. Mixing these cereals together is also
a great way to have it all. The result of combining these ‘hot’ cereal
grains for breakfast sends flavour through the roof as it provides varied nutritional components for optimal
health. Other complimentary foods can be added such as: fruits, liquids- milk or juice, seeds and nuts
to make a hot bowl of cereal a special treat.
Filling up on simple carbohydrates in the morning is a
pointless exercise. These foods do nothing for a growing child except agitate
and excite the body and mind while inducing hunger. A steady stream of nutritious
calories throughout the day is critical for the developing body to be able to perform at peak
efficiency. It also has a calming effect on the brain... A developing body
requires absolute attention to diet... Since a child’s appetite might be less
than expected in the a.m., food offerings should be a priority. Last night’s
leftover dinner might be an idea worth pursuing. If you made it, it must be
good! Eggs can also be utilized in a host of different ways using chopped
vegetables and made to order in little time. Mini omelettes can be cooked ahead
of time and re-heated in the morning.
Juicing is another great way to introduce foreign foods into
your child’s diet. It is amazing what
can be hidden in a juiced beverage while using regular fare such as: apples,
oranges, grapes and other familiar fruits or vegetables. Blending or creating ‘smoothies’
also leaves an indelible mark on the appetite. It knocks it down to zero. The
vitamins and minerals are also in a format that the body can utilize almost immediately...The
pureeing of whole fruits- (minus the pits/seeds) mixed greens, in a mixed
concoction with ‘homemade’ juice you created becomes the best fast food
imaginable. Be sure to wash all fruit etc ... Peel and core as required...Use organic, if
possible.
Breakfast is a critical first meal of the day for children. Their
bodies have been at rest in readiness for the demands of the next hectic day. ‘Quality
dining’ is a priority. Only a small amount of food of high nutritional benefit is required to sustain the body for a period of time...Amazingly,
a simple apple can shut down hunger instantly as it provides health benefits.
The breakfast meal invites all manner of foods in various disguises (loaded with sugars)
as breakfast solutions. Be selective in what you choose. We cripple our best intentions for our
growing children when we give in to the morning time crunch with highly
processed foods....Hunger is almost a permanent state of being when the wrong
foods enter our bodies... Time spent
organizing and planning the first meal of the day will become a time honoured tradition and investment in our children’s
future life goals, one breakfast at a time.
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