"Children are our most valuable resource."
--Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States
When we teach kids about healthy
eating, we always include a class about breakfast. When we teach a class for parents, we always ask, "What did you have for
breakfast today? Was it a good example
for your children?"
The first
meal of the day when you “break the fast” after a night of sleep should
give your body and brain the energy to start the day feeling vibrant, alert, and alive. It should contain foods that will
not cause your blood glucose and insulin levels to spike excessively high. After all, what goes up must
come down. When kids are allowed to eat highly
processed carbohydrates for breakfast, such as Honeybuns, Sugar Smacks, or instant
oatmeal, they turn into little yo-yos of human energy. Processed and refined carbohydrates cause extreme highs and lows in blood sugar
and insulin which have been shown to lead to overeating.
Here are 3 delicious ideas for you and your kids to start the day right:
- Eggs and fresh, seasonal fruit (my favorite Sunday morning breakfast: a Portobello mushroom omelet with half a grapefruit or a dish of fresh strawberries)
- Steel cut oats with nut milk, pecans and dates or raisins
- Pinto or black beans, avocado and fresh lime juice (don’t forget the Crystal hot sauce!)
Kids need good breakfasts to power their minds for learning and provide long-lasting
energy for their bodies. Guess
what? Parents need the same thing! Using these breakfast ideas will go a long
way to helping your kids stay at a healthy weight and teach them the importance
of eating a good breakfast. Bon appetit!
In
gratitude,
Nancy
Heinrich
Founder,
Growing Healthy Kids, Inc.
PS-To schedule GROWING HEALTHY KIDS IN THE KITCHEN classes for your organization, please send an email to wellness@growinghealthykids.org. Thanks!
