The Benefits of Breakfast

Some people consider breakfast to be the most important meal of the day… Do you agree? Why or why not? Do you usually eat breakfast? Can you tell a difference in how you feel on days when you eat breakfast and on days when you don’t?

Let’s Imagine You’re a car…. Need “gas” to refuel Our bodies are like a car…they need food to refuel You’re “empty” when you wake up. To operate at maximum capacity, you need a healthy breakfast!

So… Why is Breakfast so Important? Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies Studies show that students who eat a balanced breakfast: Think clearly Are more alert and focused Have more energy and creativity Have more concentration in class Get better grades! Healthy foods are jammed packed with nutrients and vitamins Our bodies rely on these vitamins and nutrients to function and stay healthy

The Purpose of Vitamins & Nutrients Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients What It Does Food Source Calcium Bone Growth & Strength Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Spinach Vitamin B Produces Cells Milk, Eggs, Peanuts Fiber Helps Digestion; Keeps You Feeling Full Bran, Cereal, Peas, Beans, Fruits & Vegetables Folic Acid Metabolizes Protein; Helps Prevent Birth Defects Leafy Vegetables, Whole Grains, Fortified Cereals Magnesium Aids in Muscle & Nerve Function; Helps Strengthen Bones Leafy Vegetables, Brazil Nuts, Almonds, Soybeans, Halibut, Quinoa Potassium Helps Control Blood Pressure; Reduces Risk of Kidney Stones Sweet Potatoes, Bananas, Yogurt, Tuna, Soybeans

Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients What It Does Food Source Vitamin A Necessary For Vision & Immune Function Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Spinach, Fortified Cereals Vitamin B3 Helps With Digestion; Converts Food Into Energy Meat, Fish, Poultry, Whole Grains Vitamin C Protects Against Cell Damage; Boosts Immune System Red & Green Peppers, Kiwi, Oranges, Strawberries, Broccoli Vitamin D Metabolizes Calcium For Healthy Bones Salmon, Dairy Products, Sunlight Exposure Vitamin K Helps Blood Clotting & Bone Health Green Veggies!

The Traditional Breakfast Foods Eggs Pancakes, waffles, French toast Cold and hot cereal Toast, bagels, muffins, English muffins Yogurts Smoothies

But What About These Choices? Frozen Banana Banana on a stick, dipped in yogurt, rolled in granola Egg Burrito Scrambled egg with cheese, rolled up in a tortilla Cottage Cheese With fruit A Sandwich Leftovers

Top Reasons For Skipping Breakfast… “I overslept!” “I’m not hungry in the mornings.” “I don’t want to gain weight, so I skip breakfast.” “I don’t have time in the morning for breakfast, I’m in a rush.” Any others?

Did You Know… Does not maintain weight Tend to eat more If you skip breakfast you are actually slowing down your metabolism Tend to eat more Your body starts to go into starvation mode…your tummy starts to grumble and you end up eating more throughout the day

Tips For A Successful Breakfast… Make breakfast the night before Make sure the food is substantial Try having a quick on the go breakfast Visit GVMS cafeteria before the school day starts “You need to be your best, in order to give your best.”