A recent survey about breakfast uncovered surprising trends about the breakfast eating habits of families across the nation. It found that one in every five children go without breakfast at least once per week, with 38 percent of parents saying this is due to lack of time and hectic mornings.
And interestingly enough, that number surges to 50 percent for those who typically eat on-the-go or in the car, demonstrating a direct correlation between eating breakfast on-the-go and poor nutrition in the morning.
The survey also showed that parents are concerned about sugar content in their children’s breakfast foods (36 percent), but when they must choose between a better-for-you breakfast and something their children will actually eat, they’ll chose the less nutritious option.
In light of the survey results, Barbara’s partnered with Frances Largeman Roth, RDN, nutrition expert and mom of three, offered 5 Better Breakfast Tips to help parents give their kids the most nutritious breakfast possible, which you can view below:
- Breakfast Time over Screen Time – Mornings are hectic, especially at the beginning of the school year, before everyone has settled into their schedules. Make it clear to your kids that breakfast time needs to come before they turn on the TV or play with their phone
- Better Breakfasts – Barbara’s Breakfast Survey revealed that juice and cereal are the most common breakfast foods on school days: 71% of children drink fruit juice and 95% of children eat cereal. Clearly, kids love juice and cereal but you can still help them make better choices. For example, 100% fruit juice rather than “drinks” or “blends” and lower sugar cereals like Barbara’s Puffins, which are also packed with whole grains.
- Add Color! – Studies show that kids like food that’s colorful, so take the opportunity to fit in an extra serving of antioxidant and vitamin C-rich fruit–and tempt their taste buds–by offering brightly colored berries, diced apple and melon, or sliced grapes and kiwi fruit on the breakfast table.
- Streamline Set Up – Having a sit-down breakfast is much more doable if you do a little prep in advance. Set up the breakfast table the night before: Clear clutter, and set out bowls, spoons, and napkins. Then all you need to do in the morning is serve the food!
- Always Have Backup! – There are some days when you just have to grab and go! Being prepared with a healthy back up option is smart. I like to make extra whole grain pancakes on the weekend and freeze them for a rainy day.
This infographic sums it all up well: