30 THE COURIER SUN • BACK TO SCHOOL • SEPTEMBER 4, 2014 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com back to school Breakfast is more than the fi rst meal of the day Most kids don’t want us to remind them that breakfast is the most important meal of the day as they’re running out the door to get to school on time. But they might be interested in hearing that eating a balanced breakfast will make them feel better, inside and out, contributing to better grades, better performance on the fi eld and better nutrition choices throughout their days. A signifi cant percentage of elementary and an even greater percentage of middle and high school students skip breakfast daily or a few times a week. On a given day, up to 30 percent of teens in the U.S. skip breakfast. As they get older, homework, jobs, sports teams, the arts and the Internet result in alltoo short nights for students, and the need to catch a few more moments of sleep in the morning. Breakfast allows students to break the fast of nighttime, reigniting brains and concentration abilities. “It’s everything you’ve heard about in terms of it being a critical meal of the day,” says Sue Moores, a registered dietitian and consultant to schools in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. “Miss or skip breakfast and you start the day playing catch up.” According to Moores, many kids already lack important body-strengthening, body “building” nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, potassium, protein and fi ber. Without breakfast, which is a meal that can easily offer all of these, there’s extra pressure to fi ll the nutritional gaps with snacks and other meals. Including carbohydrates in the morning meal (whole-grain carbs, says Moores) is key, as carbs are the preferred source of energy for the brain. Add in a bit of protein to help distribute the energy carbohydrates offer, and you have the start of a great meal. Skipping breakfast may not only put students behind the eight-ball for morning nutrition, adds Moores, it may also set them back by way of poor food choices for the rest of the day. Some studies show breakfastskippers actually crave salty, higher fat, sweet foods throughout the day compared to people who eat a morning meal. What they eat in place of breakfast is far from nutritious fare. Beginning this school year, school breakfasts are required to meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s new food-based meal pattern, which outlines increased amounts of fruits/vegetables, grains and milk food components. Companies have stepped up to the plate, delivering whole grain and protein-rich options that, when paired with a calcium-rich, low-fat milk, provide a solid start to the day. Schwan’s Food Service offers the new Beacon Street Cafe (TM) 51 percent whole grain Sausage, Egg and Cheese Sliders this fall, with 8 grams of protein, 11 grams of whole grains, 0 grams of trans fat and only 160 calories per serving (two pieces). “Whether students catch a brain-boosting breakfast at home or at school, it’s important to fi nd a way to fi t nutrient-rich foods in for a good day of learning,” says Moores. “It may seem inconsequential to skip a morning meal, but results in the classroom show that breakfast is key.” Courtesy BPT SPECIAL OFFER $49 Two weeks unlimited classes, free uniform, and belt. WE ALSO HAVE KRAV MAGA & KICKBOXING CLASSES FOR TEENS AND ADULTS Glendale 71-02 Myrtle Ave. Glendale, New York 11385 T: 718-738-8900 Harness and apply FOCUS Become a Leader in your COMMUNITY Show more discipline at HOME Get better grades and excel in SCHOOL Achieve Greater levels of FITNESS Battle peer pressure with CONFIDENCE Jamaica 150-28 Liberty Ave. Jamaica, New York 11433 T: 718-738-8900 Bring this ad in with you. Offer expires on 9/15/14. White Star Limousine was founded in 1952 and has been family owned and operated for over three generations. Ask us about the specials we o er for you next special event WWHITESTAR LIMOUSINES 20 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 516.233.2911 www.whitestarlimousine.com
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