Following our assembly on the benefits of having eating a good breakfast - where we were able to feast our eyes on a large selection of breakfast goodies on display at the front of the hall - we decided to put a page here to give us good ideas of what to eat.

A quick survey showed that there was at least one person in each class who had not eaten breakfast. (There were as many as six in some classes).

Breakfast is a very important meal.

That's because your brain needs a constant supply of glucose (the type of sugar found in your blood) because it can't store any.  

At our assembly, we discussed the fact that our last meal on the previous evening was likely to have been between 7.00 and 8.00 pm (earlier for younger children). Children who do not eat breakfast then have to wait until the first morning break at 11.20 before they eat again. This could means that they have not eaten for fifteen hours. Often their break consists of a packet of crisps, which will not provide the nutrients they need at this time.  

After nine or more hours of not eating your blood glucose levels are very low and need to be replenished. If glucose levels are inadequate, the brain can't do the work as well.

Breakfast helps to replenish blood glucose levels.

Many studies show that eating breakfast improves academic performance, including improved maths scores, better working memory and increased verbal skills. The studies also show an improved attitude towards school, as well as less depression, anxiety and hyperactivity.

Try some of these recipes at home:

Recipes for Breakfasts

Ideas

•  Spread peanut butter on whole-wheat bread and wrap it round a banana.

• Top a bagel with low-fat cream cheese and thin apple slices

• Melt a slice of low-fat cheese over a scrambled egg on top of a muffin, bagel or toast

• Fill a pitta bread with slices a hard-boiled egg and tomato

• Baked beans on toast with grated edam cheese

•  Tomatoes on toast

• Slice of ham with boiled egg on muffin

• A low-sugar cereal such as Shreddies, Shredded Wheat with raisins or dried fruit e.g. apricots or raisins

• Porridge with honey and slices of fresh or dried fruit.

• Fill a tortilla with ham, cheese, tomato and eat it cold or microwave it for 20 seconds to melt the cheese .

• Smoothie mixes – try your favourite fruit e.g.

Orange juice, low-fat bio yogurt, banana and strawberries