Roundup: Breakfasts that Make Kids Smart

I dream about breakfast. It is, by far, my favorite meal. I would never sacrifice it in a morning. As you could guess, Scarlett has the same opinion. However, I know lots of people who are happy to skip their morning meal. As a result, their kids do as well. However, it has been proven that kids who skip breakfast run into all kinds of food traps the rest of the day (binge eating, sugary cravings, overeating) in addition to robbing the brain (and body) of the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.

As pediatrician Dr. Sears explains, breakfast means to break the overnight fast. In other words, we (children especially) need to refuel our bodies for the day ahead. The best way to do so is to have a breakfast with a balance between complex carbohydrates and protein. According to Dr. Sears, “The more balanced the breakfast, the more balanced the brain function.” Since proteins deliver stimulating tyrosine to the brain while complex carbs send calming proteins known as tryptophan, a “breakfast with the right balance of both stimulating and calming foods starts the child off with a brain that is primed to learn and emotions prepared to behave.” I hope you just read that after a healthy breakfast.

Toad In a Hole has a fun name and is nutritionally a great breakfast. Just remember to use some whole grain bread and pair it with some fresh fruit.

Pumpkin French Toast sounds like work but this recipe uses canned pumpkin. Add it to eggs and serve with some fruit. Bruce Jenner would be proud!

Applewich is a great on the go sandwich. Toss in a bran muffin and juice and your kids will be balancing your checkbook in no time.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm brekkie that gets tossed into a slow cooker the night before. In the morning, ta da, you have breakfast.