The Power of Breakfast: Fueling Your Child's Success

 

 

As an educator, author, and dedicated advocate for helping families avoid college loans, I know that setting the right foundation in the early years can make all the difference. Breakfast, as it turns out, is a cornerstone of that foundation.

There are many health and educational benefits of ensuring your child enjoys a wholesome breakfast every day. I'm sure you'll appreciate how starting the day right can lead to lifelong well-being. Here's what the experts have to say:

1. Boosted Metabolism: "A nutritious breakfast jumpstarts your child's metabolism, helping them burn calories more efficiently throughout the day." - Dr. Sarah Johnson, pediatrician.

2. Improved Concentration: "Children who eat a balanced breakfast are better able to focus and concentrate in school. This can lead to improved academic performance." - Dr. Lisa Martinez, education specialist.

3. Enhanced Nutrient Intake: "Kids who eat breakfast tend to have a more balanced diet, which can help them grow and develop properly." - Karen White, registered dietitian.

 

As a retired teacher and education blogger, I’m aware of the impact nutrition can have on a child's ability to learn and thrive in the classroom. Here's what the experts and studies have to say:

1. Increased Academic Achievement: “Students who ate breakfast regularly scored higher on standardized tests and had better grades.” - American Dietetic Association.

2. Enhanced Cognitive Function: "Breakfast provides the brain with the necessary fuel to function optimally. Children who eat breakfast are more alert, have better memory retention, and are more creative in problem-solving." - Dr. Susan Turner, educational psychologist.

3. Improved Attendance and Behavior: “Students who ate breakfast had fewer absences and disciplinary issues.” - Journal of School Health.

 The recipes below are not only nourishing, but also convenient for busy mornings:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries, honey, and a sprinkle of granola. This breakfast is rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, providing sustained energy and brain-boosting nutrients.

2. Avocado Toast with Eggs: Mash ripe avocado on whole-grain toast and top it with a sunny-side-up egg. Avocados offer healthy fats, while eggs provide protein and choline, crucial for brain development.

3. Oatmeal with Nut Butter and Banana: Cook oats with milk or a dairy-free alternative and stir in a spoonful of almond or peanut butter. Add sliced bananas for natural sweetness and a dose of potassium.

Lots more recipes in this fabulous cookbook, Blue Zones American Kitchen by Dan Buettner, CLICK HERE . I'm sure you and your family will enjoy them. 

"The impact of breakfast on a child's cognitive abilities is akin to sharpening the mind's tools for learning. It's a non-negotiable investment in their future." - Professor John Davis, Education Researcher.

Helpful tool for making breakfast in advance, CLICK HERE (ad). 

 

To ensure the accuracy of the information in this article, I've relied on reputable sources, including:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics

2. American Dietetic Association

3. Journal of School Health

4. National Institutes of Health

5. USDA's ChooseMyPlate.gov

For more information, you’ll want my book, Free College, CLICK HERE . It teaches families how to help their kids become more successful in school, college and life.

 

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Do This for Better Grades and More Scholarship Money

One way for students to improve their chances of winning a Full Ride Scholarship to college is to do everything possible to remain alert in class. A simple way to do this is to eat breakfast every day. I found it easiest to prepare almost everything in advance. It begins with making a shopping list. Once the decision is made to eat breakfast daily, deciding on what to eat comes next.

Steel cut Oatmeal (ad) provides many of the recommended nutrients for optimal brain function. Making it from scratch each day really isn’t practical. It takes too long to cook. There are two possible solutions. One saves time and money, the other saves much more time than money. Both are equally delicious and nutritious. Students and their parents just need to take an honest look at which works best for them.

To save the most time, go to the frozen section in your market, and find pre-cooked, frozen steel cut oatmeal. Be sure to read the label, you don’t want to see sugar there unless it’s a very small amount. Sugar short-circuits thinking, not a great idea for breakfast on a school day. Buy enough to cover all the people who will be eating breakfast for as many days as you wish to serve oatmeal in the week. Buy some berries, other fruit or chopped nuts to top the oatmeal each day. These can be fresh, canned or frozen. Just buy what you enjoy, making sure they don’t contain added sugar.

The night before, lay out all the bowls and cutlery you’ll need in the morning. Prep berries or other fruit you wish to use to top your cooked oatmeal. Leave these in a container in the refrigerator. Put everything else in the place it will be needed for breakfast. This saves time and lets you enjoy your meal without rushing.

In the morning, follow the instructions on the box. For the brand I buy, the instructions are simple. I peel off the plastic surrounding the frozen oatmeal, place the oatmeal in the microwave safe bowl I want to use, cover it with a piece of waxed paper (or a microwave cover), and cook it on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Then I stir and finish cooking on high for another 1 minute 30 seconds.

While I’m pouring my orange juice and getting out the toppings I want to use, the oatmeal rests for one minute. I sit down and drop berries, cut up peaches or apple slices and a few chopped nuts on top and enjoy. Notice, I did not sprinkle sugar on top. The fruit contains enough sweetness and added sugar is counterproductive to learning. Prep time is 5 minutes. Clean up after I eat is also 5 minutes.

To save both time and money, steel cut oatmeal can be bought in bulk at the market and prepared in advance. Look at the instructions on the package. Decide how many servings are needed for as many people and days as the oatmeal will be eaten in a week. Then prepare this number of servings in a very large pan, following the directions. After the oatmeal is cooked, let it cool. Then divide it into individual servings scooping it into glass Containers (ad), or wrap a big scoop of cooked and cooled oatmeal with waxed paper, and then place the wrapped oatmeal in a large freezer safe container or bag.

For serving homemade frozen oatmeal, place an unwrapped frozen serving in a microwave safe glass container or bowl and microwave. You’ll have to experiment to see how many minutes/seconds are necessary. Microwave power varies, and the size of the portion matters too. Experiment by following the instructions for the store bought frozen oatmeal, increase or decrease the time until you see what works for your situation.

If you want to get good grades so you have a better chance of winning a Full Ride Scholarship or grant to college, you have to do all the right things. Eating breakfast is one of them. Steel cut oatmeal is one example of what you might select. It isn’t the only wholesome or nutritious meal you can have. There are many others. Find something you like, that’s easy to prepare and eat breakfast every day. You’ll feel better and your grades will improve.

You are reading from the blog, RoadtoFreeCollege.com, where we empower families with knowledge to navigate the path to higher education without the burden of excessive loans.

 

For more information, you’ll want my book, Free College, CLICK HERE . It teaches families how to help their kids become more successful in school, college, and life.

 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Image Credit: Google Images