A good breakfast is so important to ensure a good school day. Many mornings, at around 9-10 AM, I see several students with headaches and stomachaches. More often than not, these students tell me they have had little or no breakfast. They usually feel better after some crackers and milk, and they are able to continue their day. However, they have lost an hour or so of optimal class time. In addition, doing this often eventually imposes an unnecessary heath risk as their body continually tries to function without enough of the proper nutrients.
A good breakfast should include several components: simple and complex carbohydrates and protein. These types of food work in a relay fashion. Simple carbohydrates, such as orange juice, give a quick boost of energy which the body needs after ten or so hours of sleep. However, this energy is soon gone. More complex carbohydrates, such as cereal or pancakes, require more time for the body to break down for use, but then take over to extend the body’s energy. Proteins, like milk and eggs, take even longer for the body to convert, but the energy that finally results takes over to last for the rest of the morning.
Ingredients for a good breakfast are limitless, and can be very individualized. The menu can range from French toast and fruit kabobs with a yogurt dip, to, for the time challenged, OJ, cereal and milk. Last night’s warmed up pizza and a glass of milk will also do, if that’s what seems appetizing. Any combination that includes simple and complex carbohydrates and protein makes for an adequate breakfast.
So please try and make sure you give your body the nutrients it needs to fuel you for a successful day. Even if it means getting up ten minutes earlier- it is well worth it. Besides giving yourself a great day, you are starting a healthy habit that should last a lifetime!
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