My kids and I are often not hungry in the mornings. Is it okay to skip breakfast?
Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. Our bodies are like a car, they need to be refueled after hours of use. After a good night sleep, our bodies need refueling. Breakfast is the fuel we need to get our metabolism going. By eating three meals a day with two snacks in between, we keep our body's metabolism constant. Metabolism is the way our bodies transform the fuel in food to energy for our body so we can perform our daily functions.
By skipping breakfast, we are not providing energy for our body to function. People who skip breakfast are often hungry and overeat during the day. This habit can lead to snacking on foods high in calories and ultimately weight gain. If you eat most of your calories later in the day, you have less opportunity to use the energy you have consumed. Kids and adults become tired, cranky, and less productive when they do not keep their bodies fuelled. People who eat breakfast often make healthier eating choices, have better concentration and are better able to participate in physical activities.
It can be difficult to get kids to eat breakfast so it is best to lead by example. If kids see you eating a well-balanced breakfast, chances are they will too. We are often rushed in the morning, but there are many quick, healthy options for breakfast. Taking a few minutes to have a fruit smoothie, muffin and yogurt, or a boiled egg with toast and fruit juice can make all the different in your day. Breakfast keeps your body running and helps you keep up with your growing child.
For more information about making healthy food choices, contact Capital Health Link where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 408- LINK (5465) or toll free 1-866-408-LINK.
Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
E-mail this page
Print this page
