Have you heard of the saying; “eat breakfast like a king”? This statement is completely true and even more so when it comes to your little queens and kings!
Breakfast is your child’s most important meal of the day as it gives them the energy and nutrition they need to get through their day. What’s more, research has highlighted that a balanced breakfast helps kids perform better at school – and even record higher test scores.
Experts agree that a healthy breakfast should contain elements of the four food groups: fruits/vegetables, dairy, meat (or protein alternatives) and grains — ideally whole grains.
While it’s easy for mums to include foods from the first three groups in their child’s breakfast, the importance of whole grains is often overlooked, as they are perceived to be not as ‘interesting’ or as tasty as other foods.
But guess what? The humble whole grain has so many health benefits to offer and comes in a variety of flavours to satisfy even the most demanding taste buds!
Whole grains form a very important part of a balanced diet for your child, and can easily be incorporated in your little one’s diet through breakfast cereals.
Why are whole grains so important?
Whole grains, when included in breakfast, mostly make up the ‘energy’ portion — and it is this that provides your child with both the mental and physical energy they need to get through their day.
They also boast several other health benefits: whole grains contain cancer-fighting properties, help reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and major weight gain.
You can read more about the benefits of whole grains, here.
Despite all these benefits, children in Singapore are not getting enough whole grains, according to a nation-wide dietary survey of over 500 Singaporean children (age 6-12) by Newcastle University International Singapore.
The survey, which assessed kids’ whole grain consumption patterns, found that 6 in 10 children are not eating any whole grain, and 94% of children surveyed did not meet the recommended whole grain intake of 48g per day.
Mums, isn’t it time we broke this alarming trend? All it takes is one simple change: incorporating whole grain breads, brown rice and cereals in to your child’s daily meals.
For example, breakfast can comprise of a bowl of whole grain breakfast cereals, with milk and chopped fruit added, giving kids a complete start to their day. A balanced breakfast providing vitamins, minerals and fibre like this boost their overall nutrition, improves their school performance… and much more!
Add a yummy wholegrain breakfast cereal to your children’s day and watch them shine!
Whole grain cereals for a wholesome breakfast
Mornings are undoubtedly the busiest part of a mum’s day. In the midst of getting your kids ready for school, how is it possible to ensure that they also have a healthy breakfast, complete with whole grains?
Breakfast cereals are a convenient way to do this, as they ensure your child gets an adequate amount of whole grains for loads of energy and nourishment for their busy day ahead.
Good breakfast cereals contain whole grain wheat as the first ingredient as well as provide vitamins, and minerals such as iron and fibre, so they tick all the right boxes for both kids and mums.
Here’s why both kids and mums love whole grain breakfast cereals:
- They are fun and oh-so delicious to eat – no wonder kids love them so much!
- Some cereals are so yummy and crunchy that they can even be eaten without milk, making them super easy to eat on-the-go on those extra-rushed school mornings.
- They are a convenient and super healthy breakfast option for the morning rush even for the most time-strapped mums.
- Little ones get enhanced micronutrient intakes, especially for B vitamins, calcium and iron.
- It is the best way to ensure kids get an energy boost to take them through the morning while helping them to make up with their daily recommended whole grain intakes.
- Kids get the added benefit of calcium-rich milk in their diet and its proven that this helps kids to drink more milk.
- It also helps kids to eat more fruits, when they are added to the cereal.
Mums, proper nutrition is one of the best gifts you can give your children and one that they will thank you for as they grow older.
So give them the gift of good health every day through wholesome whole grains and watch your little ones go from strength to strength!
Mums, tell us in a comment below: what does your child have for breakfast and do they eat whole grains?