Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals made with whole grains are part of this group.
Preparing breakfast for our children during the morning rush hour, while they are getting ready for school, is an inevitable part of modern life.
The fast-paced demands of life can take a toll on the most common tasks in our daily lives and make them seem daunting, especially making sure our children start their day with a nutritious breakfast. Preparing breakfast for our children during the morning rush hour, while they are getting ready for school, is an inevitable part of modern life. We cannot overlook or skip this important meal, since we all know that it is the fuel that sets the tone throughout the day, especially for our active little ones who are constantly on the move.
Nadiya Merchant, Associate Director, Nutrition, Kellanova India, says, “The nutritional benefits of breakfast for children are well known; It not only keeps them energized but also affects cognitive functions such as attention span and memory. “It also recharges the body, replenishes glucose levels, improves nutrient intake and promotes overall metabolic health.”
Therefore, it is necessary to help your child develop a healthy relationship with his breakfast. Skipping the first meal of the day should never be an option.
Merchant adds: “Breakfast should provide a variety of nutrients such as carbohydrates, fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals that perform a wide range of functions in the body. These nutrients must be obtained through a judicious combination of different food groups, such as cereals, especially whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and dairy products.”
So how can you make sure your breakfast includes whole foods and fiber?
The whole food group, which is quite broad, includes wheat, rice, corn, oats, barley and ragi, among others. Whole grains provide carbohydrates, especially fiber, vitamin B and antioxidants, which are important for health. Found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, fiber is important for digestive well-being and helps gradually release energy by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates.
Merchant shares: “Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals made with whole grains are part of this group. A bowl of breakfast cereal is usually best enjoyed with milk or yogurt and fruit or nuts. It provides a mix of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fiber. What also makes it so popular with parents and children today is the fact that it fits perfectly into the rush hour lifestyle, can be prepared quickly and is both nutritious and tasty.”
There will be days when you will choose to go beyond ready-to-eat breakfast cereals and create a memorable breakfast experience for your children using your imagination. With creativity, you can incorporate whole grains and fiber through a fun morning dish full of vibrant shapes, colors, and a wide range of textures to keep them excited about their breakfast.
For example, a plate of multigrain pancakes or waffles, topped with berries, yogurt and nuts, or whole wheat bread sandwiches loaded with fresh vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, shredded carrots, lettuce leaves and a glass of milk or buttermilk will ensure that Your child gets his or her serving of whole grains, fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals at the beginning of the day.
Remember, these habits will go a long way toward instilling in your child a healthy relationship with food and laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating.
