An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!
By Jenna Pastuszek, Educational Programs and Services Intern
September is nationally known as "Eat a Better Breakfast Month". With the start of a brand new school year, it is important to teach your children proper nutrition from the get-go. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make sure it's packed with the nutrients your children need to grow. Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight, will have an increased academic performance, and will have increased energy and attention throughout the school day. So what better way to kick off a new year than by introducing a healthy breakfast into your daily routine!
VIEW
Sid the Science Kid spends a good amount of time learning about nutrition and healthy habits. In "I Want Cake", Sid and his friends want only to eat birthday cake for every meal. They learn about nutrition and healthy eating habits during the episode. "Sid's Health Day" is an episode featuring a variety of healthy habits, including brushing teeth, eating nutritious foods, washing hands, and exercising. Sid the Science Kid airs weekdays at 8:30 am starting September 8th.
DO
Talk with your child about the importance of waking up early to eat a well-balanced breakfast each morning. Without breakfast, your child's body and mind won't be able to function at their highest levels. He or she will feel groggy and won't be able to concentrate in the classroom. A well-balanced meal is important for every child, starting at birth and continuing through adulthood.
Sit down with your child and talk about breakfast. If she or he is not eating breakfast, analyze why. Is it because he or she is sleeping in too late and rushing out the door without having time for a meal? Try setting the alarm for fifteen minutes earlier. If your child does eat breakfast, what is it that she or he is eating? Is it packed with nutrients, or is it sugary and fatty? How does your child feel mid-morning? Is she or he tired and hungry? If so, work with your child to come up with a new and improved breakfast plan.
It is important to combine at least three out of the five food groups into a typical morning routine. For the whole grains group, children can eat whole-grain breads, English muffins, waffles, bagels, flour tortillas, or dry cereal. For the fruit group, pick whichever fruits are in season. In September, try apples, cantaloupe, grapes, nectarines, watermelon, or raspberries. Vegetables can be served with breakfast in the form of 100% vegetable juice or peppers, mushrooms, or onions in an omelet. Dairy products come in a variety of forms these days, and the nutrients in these products can be found in soy products if your child is lactose intolerant. Try low-fat or skim milk, yogurt, or cheese for breakfast. Lastly, your child needs protein in the morning. Protein can be found in eggs, lean breakfast meats, or peanut butter.
Physical exercise is so important in your child's routine. Playing outside, taking a walk, and many other various activities in your child's day is great for there physical and mental health as well as for socialization with other children. It makes them feel good, helps them sleep better, and models healthy habits for years to come. Karate, dance, soccer, and yoga are just some of the activities available to children. If these aren't an option for your family or your child has other interests, explore them. A walk around the neighborhood is all your child needs to get the body active and moving!
READ
Cookie
by Lisa Woomer
A little girl eats nothing but cookies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Her parents try everything to get her to change her habits, and one day, she does!
Gregory, the Terrible Eater
by Mitchell Sharmat
A very picky goat named Gregory refuses the staples of a goat diet in exchange for fruits, vegetables, and eggs.
Good Enough to Eat: A Kid's Guide to Food and Nutrition
by Lizzie Rockwell
This picture book presents facts about healthy eating in a fun and engaging manner!
I will Never, Not Ever, Ever Eat a Tomato
by Lauren Child
Follow Lola and her sister Charlie as Lola refuses to eat anything that resembles a vegetable. Can Charlie convince her that they aren't so bad?
The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food
by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Read what happens when Brother and Sister Bear get stuffed by eating too much junk food. Mama Bear helps the cubs, and Papa Bear too, make healthy choices and get back in shape!
For more healthy breakfast ideas, please visit the following websites:
-kidshealth.org
-healthcastle.com
WHYY Kids Club is gearing up for an exciting year! Sid the Science Kid will be the focus of many of our upcoming events for this year. With support from PNC Grow Up Great, KCET, and Boeing, we are very excited for the upcoming year of activities and events. Won't your family join us?
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