You’ve always heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s true! This week, March 5-9, is School Breakfast Week, a promotion created by the USDA to raise awareness about the importance of breakfast, and the effect it has on children’s performances during the day. Whether your child eats breakfast at home or at school, Dr. Newton can make sure your child’s eating habits are healthy.
Stay Alert
A nutritious morning meal gives your body the energy it needs to wake up and function for the day. Research shows that children who eat breakfast have better alertness, focus, concentration, and comprehension during the day so they can learn better. A healthy balanced breakfast also improves classroom behavior and keeps bodies strong.
Eliminate Hunger
When you’re hungry, you tend to focus more on your stomach and less on your work. Skipping breakfast will make you feel hungry sooner. If your children are allowed to snack in school, snacking gives the bacteria in your mouth more opportunities to feed and attack. If snacking is not an option, children will be so hungry at lunchtime that they choose the first food item they see—whether it’s healthy or not. A nutritious morning meal, however, will help keep children full enough so they can make healthier food choices.
Choose Nutrition
It’s not just about eating in the morning—it’s about eating the right thing. Although this week is National School Breakfast Week, try to prepare a nutritious meal for your child at home instead. Cafeteria and vending machine foods are not always the healthiest choices and may not provide your child with the necessary nutrients. In addition, many families rely on quick cereal in the morning because they’re rushed for time. Many cereals are filled with sugar, and studies show that cold breakfasts don’t keep you full as long. Instead, try creating a homemade breakfast platter with eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, pancakes, oatmeal, or fresh fruit.
You should also make sure your children brush their teeth before heading off to school. Children miss about 51 million hours of school each year due to dental problems and treatments. Dr. Newton can keep your child’s smile healthy for life. Contact Celina Family Dentistry at (214) 851-0130 to request an appointment. We welcome patients from Celina, Prosper, Gunter, Frisco, Anna, Pilot Point, McKinney, and surrounding communities.
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