Did you know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for your children?

Thanks to Lucie Leclerc

Breakfast provides the energy your body needs to start the day. The last time we ate was 8-12 hoursago and we need to “break that fast”. Some people think skipping breakfast helps them lose weight, in fact, we may end up eating more at lunch or munch on high fat snacks.

Studies have shown that children who skip breakfast do not get the nutrients they need to grow. They are more susceptible to health problems. Lack of energy and hunger often make them less attentive in the classroom. Teachers say that children who eat breakfast feel better and perform better.

TIPS FOR WAKING UP THE APPETITE:

In honour of Nutrition Month (March), here are some ideas to help make breakfast more appealing toyour children.

-encourage them to get up earlier. Children will have more time to feel hungry…and also to get ready.

-put their favorite placemat on the table, with a special bowl or some favourite morning food, like strawberries on cereal, or a frothy milkshake in a great big glass.

-keep your children company and take advantage of this previous moment to talk with them. Eating with someone else is always more fun.

-be patient. Good eating habits are acquired slowly but they last a lifetime.

BREAKFAST RECIPES

FRUIT AND YOGOURT SHAKE

Here’s a quick and easy breakfast treat guaranteed to refresh. (2 servings)

1 cup Kellogg’s “Special K” cereal1 container (175g) low fat, peach (or berry) yogourt1/2 cup low fat milk (2% or skim)

1 small, ripe banana, in chunks (or 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries)

3 ice cubes

1. In electric blender, combine all ingredients.

2. Cover and blend at high speed until smooth and frothy. About 1 minute. Serve with a straw.

HONEY RAISIN BRAN MUFFINS

There’s nothing better in the morning than the smell of freshly-baked muffins, and these muffins are especially mouth-watering when served warm.

(12 muffins)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

2 tbsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Cereal

1 cup milk

1/4 cup liquid honey

1/4 cup

vegetable oil

1. Stir together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt

2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together cereal, milk and honey. Let stand 2-3 minutes or until cereal is softened. Add egg and oil. Beat well.

3. Add flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Portion batter evenly into greased or paper-lined 21/2 inch muffin cups.

4. Bake at 200C degrees (400F) 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned.

5. Serve warm