Nutrition and Breakfast

Do you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? A good breakfast provides the nutrients that people need to start their day off right. Studies show that children who eat a good breakfast do better in school than children who do not. Studies also show a link between participation in the School Breakfast Program and improved academic performance and psycholsocial behavior. Children who eat a good breakfast tend to perform better in school, and have a better attendance and decreased hyperactivity. Children who don't eat breakfast tend to perform not as well, and also tend to have behavior problems such as fighting, stealing, and not listening to their teachers (Dr. Ronald Kleinman, Harvard Medical School). The School Breakfast Program provides a nutritious meal to children who might otherwise not eat breakfast, and is designed to provide children with one-fourth of their daily nutrients. This program offers fruit, cold cereal and milk daily, and some Coldwater Schools buildings also offer a variety of hot dishes like breakfast pizza, pancake wraps, and oatmeal. If your child eats breakfast at home, choose a breakfast withmilk, fruit and cereal(grain product). These three foods can provide for a good breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast does not need to take a lot of time. In the next column you will find some quick and healthy breakfast ideas.Myths and Facts about Eating BreakfastMyth: It is okay ro skip breakfast, because it is not an important meal of the day.Fact: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Myth: Eating breakfast will make you tired during the day.Fact: Breakfast provides the energy needed to start the day off right! Myth: A healthy breakfast consists of high protein, low carb foods such as eggs, sausage & bacon.Fact: A healthy breakfast consists of milk, fruits, and cereal. Myth: Children who eat breakfast tend to have poor performance in school.Fact: Children who eat a good breakfast perform better in