The value of breakfast
The children are back for holidays. It is important to give them the right diet to prepare them for the next term, which is just two weeks away. The starting point is a good breakfast every morning because breakfast is the most important meal of a day.
By Grace Canada
The children are back for holidays. It is important to give them the right diet to prepare them for the next term, which is just two weeks away. The starting point is a good breakfast every morning because breakfast is the most important meal of a day.
According to research, children who eat breakfast have better concentration and score higher at test than those who do not eat breakfast. Breakfast is not only important for children, it is important for parents too for three reasons
-Parents like children need breakfast because it helps them to meet and handle challenges of the day in a better way.
-Parents are role models for their children. Children who see their parents eat breakfast are more likely to get into the habit of eating breakfast too.
-Breakfast feeds the brain as well as the body. A healthy breakfast can be quick and easy to prepare and eat.
Samples of easy breakfast
-1 ripe banana + 1 cup of yogurt.
-1/2 a medium roasted sized potato or cassava + yoghurt + 1 ripe banana or a piece of pineapple.
-1 cup millet and soya porridge + some Milk + a wedge of watermelon or any fruit of choice.
-1 cup left over beans + rice + fruit juice (make sure left over food is thoroughly heated before serving).
-1 chapati + 1 cup of tea or milk + any fruit in your area.
-1 cup of oats + 1 egg + pineapple or ready to eat serial + fruit + milk.
-1 tablespoon peanut butter on two slices of whole wheat bread + fruit or 1-2 slice French toast + any fruit of choice.
Recipe for French toast: Two eggs or egg whites, lightly beaten, 2/3 cup of milk, 8 slices of firm white bread or whole wheat bread, 2-3 table spoons butter or cooking oil.
Method of preparation:
Combine egg and milk in a deep plate, beat with a fork until well blended. Dip bread slices into the mix to coat each side.
Place 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Transfer coated bread slice to the hot skillet. Brown each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Continue with other slices, adding butter or oil as needed. Serve while warm.
In addition to easy breakfast food choices, prepare for the morning the night before.
- Get clothes and schoolwork ready the night before. Allow time for breakfast wake up 15-20. Sit down together at the table, and avoid controversial conversations. Accentuate the positive in each child.
By the way, for busy parents who have lost control of their family life, sharing breakfast can help you to reestablish a health relationship with your family. It can also offer an opportunity for a short prayer and words of encouragement for children.
The children are back for holidays. It is important to give them the right diet to prepare them for the next term, which is just two weeks away. The starting point is a good breakfast every morning because breakfast is the most important meal of a day.
According to research, children who eat breakfast have better concentration and score higher at test than those who do not eat breakfast. Breakfast is not only important for children, it is important for parents too for three reasons
-Parents like children need breakfast because it helps them to meet and handle challenges of the day in a better way.
-Parents are role models for their children. Children who see their parents eat breakfast are more likely to get into the habit of eating breakfast too.
-Breakfast feeds the brain as well as the body. A healthy breakfast can be quick and easy to prepare and eat.
Samples of easy breakfast
-1 ripe banana + 1 cup of yogurt.
-1/2 a medium roasted sized potato or cassava + yoghurt + 1 ripe banana or a piece of pineapple.
-1 cup millet and soya porridge + some Milk + a wedge of watermelon or any fruit of choice.
-1 cup left over beans + rice + fruit juice (make sure left over food is thoroughly heated before serving).
-1 chapati + 1 cup of tea or milk + any fruit in your area.
-1 cup of oats + 1 egg + pineapple or ready to eat serial + fruit + milk.
-1 tablespoon peanut butter on two slices of whole wheat bread + fruit or 1-2 slice French toast + any fruit of choice.
Recipe for French toast: Two eggs or egg whites, lightly beaten, 2/3 cup of milk, 8 slices of firm white bread or whole wheat bread, 2-3 table spoons butter or cooking oil.
Method of preparation:
Combine egg and milk in a deep plate, beat with a fork until well blended. Dip bread slices into the mix to coat each side.
Place 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Transfer coated bread slice to the hot skillet. Brown each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Continue with other slices, adding butter or oil as needed. Serve while warm.
In addition to easy breakfast food choices, prepare for the morning the night before.
- Get clothes and schoolwork ready the night before. Allow time for breakfast wake up 15-20. Sit down together at the table, and avoid controversial conversations. Accentuate the positive in each child.
By the way, for busy parents who have lost control of their family life, sharing breakfast can help you to reestablish a health relationship with your family. It can also offer an opportunity for a short prayer and words of encouragement for children.