Back to School Breakfast and All the Benefits of Apples

Can you believe that it’s back to school time already? The school year can be daunting not only for children but for parents as well. You have picked up all the supplies on the list, new outfits have been bought, and the only thing left is figuring out what your children are going to eat!

Research has shown that a nutritious breakfast is essential for the growth and development of children. The nutrients provided in a balanced breakfast provide the necessary elements to ensure a constant release of energy throughout the day and delay the onset of hunger.

And of course, you can’t forget to pack a snack. A great snack to pack your child is an apple! They keep the immune system strong with plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants, which your child is going to need with all the germs they are exposed to.

Tips to Get Your Kids to Eat Breakfast

There are so many reasons why breakfast should be a priority in your household. Breakfast is said to be one of the most important meals of the day, and research shows children learn better and are more attentive in class when they eat breakfast. However, getting your child to eat in the morning is not always easy, here are some tips to help:

• Set a good example. As a parent, it’s important to understand that your behavior impacts your children. The more your child sees you eating a nutritious meal each morning, the more likely they are to develop healthy eating habits. If possible, sit down as a family to have breakfast each morning.

• Prepare a weekly breakfast menu. At the end of each week, pre-plan each breakfast for the following week to save time and energy each morning. Visualizing your meals makes it easier to develop and stick with the habit!

• Wake up. Set your child’s alarm clock a half-hour earlier than their normal wake-up time to allow enough time for them to get ready and eat breakfast.

• Let them participate. When children are involved in an activity, they are more likely to stick with it. If they are younger, allow them to pour the cereal into the bowl or cut out shapes for their toast. If they are older, allow them to prepare their own nutritionally balanced breakfast.

An Apple a Day…

Back-to-school time always conjures up images of teachers with apples. Apples are a great snack for the school year as they are a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells in your body from free radical damage. They are also high in fiber and contain large amounts of phytochemicals.

Here are some ways to add more apples into your child’s day:

• Apple slices with almond or peanut butter
• Add diced apple to their oatmeal or breakfast cereal.
• Layer cheese and thinly sliced apples on whole-wheat crackers
• Baked apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Hot Apple Cranberry Crisp
• Apple Cheddar Quesadillas

The start of the school year can be an exciting time when you’re prepared! Start your child off on the right foot this school year by keeping their bodies fueled!

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