Written by Rachel under the direction and review of Megan Jacobsen and Megan Erickson, former SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist.
With children returning to school, it is vital that they start the day off with a nutrient-dense meal to promote proper growth and health. Breakfast can help children maintain a healthy weight as well increase their cognitive development. Not only do children who eat breakfast stay satisfied and full throughout the morning, but they perform better academically as well. A 2019 study that students who frequently ate breakfast scored higher in the area of academic performance than students who skipped breakfast.
What makes a power-packed breakfast that helps students focus and stay full? Let’s break down breakfast into the macronutrients that will support their growth and cognitive development.
Essential Macronutrients
Protein
This will be the most important part of making sure that children develop at a normal rate and stay full throughout the day, leading to better focus and less distractions. Here are some foods that can help you incorporate protein into a healthy breakfast.
- Hardboiled or scrambled eggs
- Milk
- Cottage cheese - Easy to make savory or sweet!
- Cheese
- Whole nuts (look for raw with no added salt or sugar)
- Almond butter (look for brands with only 1 ingredient: almonds!)
Carbohydrates (Carbs)
When incorporating carbs into breakfast, it is beneficial to use complex carbs, such as whole grains. Whole grains contain important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and iron. Complex carbs have fiber that helps to slow down the metabolism of starches and sugar which will provide a longer stream of energy to boost students through the morning. Here are some examples of flavorful carbs to use.
- Fruit & Veggie Smoothie
- Sweet Potato
- Raisins
- Whole fruit (apple, banana, pear, strawberries)
- Whole grain bread
- Oats (easy to make a bowl of oatmeal!)
Fats
Healthy fats are a great addition to a child’s diet and can supplement omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for brain health. Here are some foods that contain healthy fats and can make a great addition to a child’s breakfast.
- Walnuts
- Tuna
- Avocados
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Flaxseed
Combining all three macronutrients at breakfast time can really lead to a successful day for a growing student. Children need enough calories and diversity in their diet to properly develop physically and cognitively, so that they can continue to perform well academically and athletically. For more ideas on delicious breakfasts, check out the recipes below, or visit eatright.org.
Breakfast Ideas
Old Fashioned Oats
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup unsweetened milk or milk alternative
- 1/3 cup fruit (fresh or frozen)
- Optional add-ins: nuts, seeds, cinnamon
Yield: 1 serving
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in sealable container and place in fridge overnight. Eat cold the next day.
Fruit & Veggie Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetables (carrots, spinach, mixed greens, kale, cucumber, zucchini, summer squash, etc)
- 1 cup water, milk, or milk alternative
- ½ banana
- ½ cup fruit (fresh or frozen)
Yield: 1 (16 oz) serving
Instructions: Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
Apples and Cinnamon Cottage Cheese
Ingredients:
- ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
- ½ apple, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon walnuts, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Yield: 1 serving
Instructions: Combine all ingredients. Enjoy right away or refrigerate for up to three days.
Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- Extra Virgin Olive or Avocado oil
- Salt, to taste
Yield: 4 servings
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Clean your sweet potatoes, no need to peel them. Slice your sweet potatoes thinly.
- Put a cookie wire rack on top of a cookie sheet. This allows you to not have to turn the chips over halfway through the cooking process. If you don’t have a cookie wire rack, brush your cookie sheet with avocado oil. Arrange sweet potatoes on a wire rack or cookie sheet. Brush sweet potatoes with avocado oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Put in oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. If you don’t have a wire rack, turn the chips over halfway through the cooking time. Remove from oven and allow time to cool and harden.
Avocado Toast with Eggs
Ingredients:
- 2 slices whole grain toast
- ½ avocado
- 2 eggs, hardboiled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Yield: 1 serving
Instructions:
- Toast 2 slices of whole grain toast.
- Slice ½ avocado into thin slices and spread on top of toast.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on top of the avocado toast to taste.
- Top the avocado toast with slices of hardboiled egg or enjoy the eggs on the side.
