At the start of the new school year, how should parents prepare breakfast to ensure their children are healthy and excel in their studies?

Many children also enjoy having sushi for breakfast - Photo: THUY DUONG

Ms. NMK, 36 years old, residing in Phu Nhuan District (Ho Chi Minh City), said that her child is starting first grade this year. Previously, when attending preschool, the child ate breakfast at school, so the family didn't have to think much about what to feed the child for breakfast.

But now that her child is starting first grade, she has to eat breakfast before going to school, so Ms. K. really wants to know what kind of breakfast to prepare that is good for children?

Children who eat a proper breakfast will perform better in school.

Many people often say, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Dr. Ngo Thi Bach Yen, head of the skin treatment and care unit (examination department, Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Medicine Hospital), believes this statement is partly true.

Numerous studies have shown that children who eat a full breakfast perform better in school. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children who eat breakfast before school have improved memory and concentration during class. Since the brain uses the most energy of all the body's organs, a complete breakfast is crucial.

According to Dr. Bach Yen, when children return to school, it's also time for parents to reconsider the importance of a complete breakfast before a school day, and to plan and create a menu for their children's breakfast before they go to school.

A good breakfast for children is one that is nutritionally complete. Dr. Bach Yen suggests that breakfast should include dishes from several different food groups. Parents should try to include 3 to 4 different food groups in breakfast, such as:

• Carbohydrates include foods such as bread, noodles, rice, corn, potatoes, etc.

• Protein includes foods such as milk, eggs, beef, peanuts, and beans. Currently, some studies suggest that children should consume both animal and plant-based proteins.

• Vitamins, fiber, and minerals are found in vegetables, fruits, salads, and dairy products (such as yogurt or fresh milk).

• Healthy fats (such as avocado or peanut butter)

Eating a variety of foods from different food groups will help children feel full for longer, allowing them to focus on their studies at school.

Stop the habit of buying whatever you can find for your child's breakfast.

Nowadays, many busy parents often just buy whatever their children take to school. Doctor Bach Yen has pointed out some types of food that should be limited for children's breakfast. These include fried foods, fast food, frozen foods, and sugary drinks like carbonated beverages and juices.

If children eat these foods in the morning, it can cause bloating and digestive discomfort. Additionally, these foods contain refined carbohydrates and added sugar, which can lead to a sharp drop in energy levels mid-morning.

Dr. Bach Yen suggests that parents try alternative options. Specifically, instead of giving children sugary fruit juices, try giving them fresh fruit juice or fresh milk, or skim milk.

Try whole-wheat toast, whole-wheat muffins with peanut butter and banana, or whole-wheat toast with butter and chia seeds instead of fried foods like donuts... Donuts contain saturated fat, which is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

When choosing bread and cereals, opt for those made primarily with whole grains. Whole grains include oatmeal, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, whole grain cornmeal, millet, whole grain rye, whole wheat, or others.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoa, former head of the nutrition department at Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, affirms that breakfast is very important because it provides nutrients for brain activity after a night without food or drink. A good breakfast should contain all four food groups: protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins.

Dr. Hoa advises that it's best for mothers to cook breakfast for their children at home, but if they don't have the time or resources, they should buy meals that contain all the necessary nutrients. When buying, they should also choose reputable places that ensure food safety and hygiene for children.

According to Dr. Bach Yen, breakfast plays a crucial role in boosting children's physical and mental activity, as well as their learning ability, because breakfast is the brain's main source of energy.

Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day for everyone, not just children. Eating properly at breakfast provides energy and helps start the day full of vitality.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vao-nam-hoc-moi-cha-me-chuan-bi-bua-sang-the-nao-cho-tre-khoe-hoc-tot-20240905092022756.htm