What would you say if your child asked to eat an ice cream cone for breakfast? Most of us would probably say NO because ice cream is a dessert, not a breakfast food. The truth is that many of the breakfast foods that we eat on a daily basis are NOT nourishing foods. In fact, the amount of sugar and saturated fats in some of these foods are more comparable with desserts. 

Let’s take three common breakfast foods, for example:

Muffins

Muffins are basically the same as cake. You may see muffins with fruit and nuts, and they seem healthy, but they are high in sugar and saturated fats, especially when they are pre-packaged from a store. Many of these muffins have added preservatives and ingredients that are not conducive to a nourishing start to the day. 

Cereal

Some cereals have a large amount of sugar per serving. Consuming a lot of sugar at the start of the day can cause cravings and crashes throughout the day. It’s important to look at the sugar content in cereal before you buy it at the store. If a cereal has more than 8 grams of sugar per serving, it is a dessert and should not be eaten on a regular basis. If your child wants to eat cereal in the morning, consider choosing a cereal that is lower in sugar. Zero to two grams of sugar is ideal.

Chocolate milk

Many parents want to give their children milk in the morning. Milk is an excellent source of protein, but chocolate milk is high in sugar and not a healthy option for the mornings. Chocolate milk should be considered a special treat and drank sparingly. 

So what is the best choice for breakfast?

It’s best to have a breakfast that pairs a healthy carb and a protein. This will give you and your child energy but keep them full until lunch. Eggs are an excellent example of a breakfast food with a good amount of protein. Even a peanut butter sandwich with little to no jelly on whole grain bread is a great choice for breakfast. 

Overall, it’s best to eat a healthy breakfast low in sugar, but when it comes to your child, the most important thing is to explore the healthy options WITH THEM. Explain why foods like ice cream, cake, muffins, and high-sugar cereals cause weight gain, blood sugar problems, and cravings. Ask them about their favorite breakfast choices and see if you can come to a decision on some excellent choices together. The important thing is to talk through good breakfast choices with your children. By doing this, you are setting your child up for success each day and always. 

At The Wellness Center at Progressive Pediatrics, we want your child to have a healthy diet, move well, and love their bodies. Let us help your teen or pre-teen set goals and find a healthy lifestyle that works for them. Make an appointment today! 

Please visit: https://progressivepediatrics.com/wellness/

Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ ProgressivePediatrics.