Breakfast is the most important of all daily meals. It is the first meal of the day and helps the body obtain the nutrients it needs throughout the day. Therefore, attention should be paid to choosing foods with high nutritional value for breakfast. Research shows that breakfast is especially important for children and young people during periods of growth. Many children start the day with breakfast and do not need much food during the first 10 hours after breakfast.
Child Development and School Success
Breakfast regulates children's blood sugar and is therefore very important for children's health. Breakfast directly affects children's performance at school. Experts state that children who eat a healthy breakfast perform better in the morning. The speed, response ability and problem-solving skills of children who eat breakfast improve.
Children who eat breakfast are more motivated, especially in the morning. Children who skip breakfast have lower levels of concentration. They score lower on standard achievement tests than children who eat breakfast. Researchers comparing the dietary patterns of children who regularly eat breakfast with those who do not have reported that children who skip breakfast may lack certain nutrients.
Brain Function and a Balanced Breakfast
The benefits children gain from the foods they eat at breakfast are countless. The glucose entering the bodies of children who consume a balanced breakfast (at least 3 of the 5 foods shown in our food pyramid) helps the brain functions responsible for thinking, concentration and learning to work properly.