Eating breakfast is the best way to kick-start your body to begin the day.
For kids, a healthy and filling breakfast also boosts healthy body development and wellbeing.
We know that people who eat breakfast tend to be more physically active and generally eat more healthily.
It can help you concentration better during the day, give you energy and stops those hungry feelings that make you grab for a sugary snack.
Breakfast is a good chance to eat foods like wholegrain breads and cereals, fruit, vegetables and dairy foods that we know are good for our bodies.
If you miss breakfast it’s often hard to make up for those food groups later in the day.
So, if you’re not in the habit of eating breakfast here’s a few hints to encourage you:
- get up earlier and go for a walk to build up your appetite
- set breakfast things out the night before so it’s easy to serve up in the morning
- do your morning tasks and then sit down to eat – this allows you time to realise you’re hungry
- turn off screens if they’re distracting
- if you have kids, eat breakfast with them to encourage them – even if it’s only on the weekend when you may have more time.
Eating food as you rush out the door isn’t really good for anyone so if you or your kids can’t get up early or don’t feel hungry, pack breakfast to eat on arrival at childcare, school or work.
Try these great breakfast ideas to power-up your day:
- porridge topped with stewed fruit
- whole grain cereal with milk and fruit
- poached or fried eggs in a wholegrain toastie with fresh tomato
- homemade vegetable muffin quiches
- fruit toast spread with light cream cheese, sliced banana and cinnamon
- wholemeal or wholegrain toast or crumpets with avocado, sliced tomato, creamed corn, baked beans or peanut butter
- fresh fruit and yoghurt.