University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis. — With the current interest in school breakfast programs, this is a good time for parents to evaluate when and where their kids are getting a morning meal. A healthy breakfast helps keep children physically healthy and ready to learn. "A nutritious morning meal is important for many reasons," says Susan Nitzke, nutritional sciences professor at UW-Madison/Extension. "Children who eat breakfast are better learners and they are less likely to overeat later in the day."

One school breakfast study tested 1,023 low-income third through fifth grade students and found that children eating breakfast had better scores in math, reading, and vocabulary. Their rates of absence and tardiness were also reduced. Similar results were observed in a pilot study of Minnesota schools that provided breakfast for all students. Children in those schools were found to have better concentration, increased alertness and energy, a decrease in stomachaches and headaches, fewer discipline problems, and higher scores in math and reading.

Skipping breakfast may seem like a smart way to cut caloric intake and prevent overeating, but the opposite is true. Research with children and adults shows that people who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight or obese. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity states "Eating a healthy breakfast is a good way to start the day and may be important in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight."

Wisconsin studies show that many students start the day with no breakfast or an inadequate breakfast. Approximately 10 percent of elementary students, 25 percent in middle school and 30 percent of high school students start school without breakfast.

"Families and schools with busy schedules and limited resources have many reasons for failing to provide a healthy morning meal," Nitzke says. "As an educator and a mother, I understand these challenges. As a nutrition professional and a scientist, I believe it is urgent for parents, schools and policymakers to work together to ensure that every school-age child in Wisconsin children can start his or her day with a healthy meal."

Nitzke offers the following quick and easy breakfast ideas:

• Smoothies made in a blender with yogurt and fresh or canned fruit

• Melted cheese on whole-grain toast with 100% juice

• Low-fat yogurt with added fruit or granola

• Fortified or whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk and raisins or sliced banana

• Peanut butter rolled inside a tortilla with 100% juice

• Cold slice of pizza with low-fat milk

• Leftover casserole or macaroni and cheese and 100% juice

• Low-fat waffle topped with applesauce and low-fat milk

• Whole wheat English muffin or bagel with cream cheese and fruit or juice

• Cottage cheese with canned peaches

A fact sheet of breakfast ideas is available from the Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program. "Eat Breakfast!" can be printed from the WNEP web site at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wnep/p6/nfspdfs/Brkfast.pdf . "Eat Breakfast" is also available in Spanish at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wnep/p6/nfspdfs/Brkfast-Esp.pdf .

For more information on nutrition and parenting, contact your county UW-Extension office.