Celebrating National School Breakfast Week as a Family

This Monday marks the start of National School Breakfast Week! If your kids are normally on the go in the morning and don’t have time to eat breakfast, help them to kick this habit to the curb in honor of National School Breakfast Week.

National School Breakfast Week was originally launched in 1989 to bring awareness to the School Breakfast Program (SBP). Eating a balanced breakfast has been linked with academic success. A full belly in the morning can keep them focused on their work until lunch break!

Although your child may be eating most of their meals at school, healthy eating habits start at home. It is important to model good eating habits to your children to ensure they are set up for success.

Breakfast Suggestions to Jump-Start Your Day

While a bowl of cereal is a popular option for many, there are great alternatives that are better balanced and will keep your children satiated. Here are a few ideas below:

Whole wheat blueberry pancakes and a glass of milk: The fiber in the pancakes will help your child feel full and the berries will give them a hint of sweetness. Add a glass of milk to ensure they are meeting their required calcium intake.

Veggie egg white omelet with whole wheat toast: This meal is packed with protein that will energize your children throughout the morning.

Toasted English muffin with peanut butter: Peanut butter or any nut butter is a great alternative source of protein. Make it a whole wheat English muffin to increase their fiber intake.

Hot cinnamon apple slices with cottage cheese: Although not ideal, this breakfast can be eaten on the go for when your morning is a little too hectic to sit down at the table.

Yogurt with fresh fruit and sprinkled with granola: Granola can add sweetness to your yogurt. Yogurt is another good source of protein and contains probiotics to keep the gut healthy.

Making Mealtime a Priority

Studies show that family mealtime promotes healthier meals and healthier lifestyles. When families eat together, they tend to eat more nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Additionally, parents serve as role models to their children. Through social learning, people tend to copy the habits of those they spend a lot of time around. Therefore, if parents follow healthy food habits, then children will be more likely to copy those habits and continue them throughout their lifetime.

Here are some tips for making family mealtime happen:

• Plan meals around everyone’s busy schedules by choosing a time that is convenient for everyone.

• On very busy days, make quick and easy meals so there is more time for conversation.

• Shut cell phones or leave them in a different room and keep the television off.

• Family meals do not have to be centered around dinner; instead, they can be breakfast or lunch dates on the weekends.

Family meals play an important role in keeping yourself and your family healthy. Start with family meals at breakfast to ensure your kids don’t miss out on the many nutrients needed for good health, such as calcium, fiber, and essential vitamins.

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