The breakfast trick for brains and busy parents

Each morning is the same. There's never enough time. The plan to put out outfits the night before, cook a hot breakfast and squeeze in a workout doesn't happen. Instead it's calm chaos as you call your child to breakfast for the seventh time. The cereal boxes are ready. They're easy. They don't need you like everything else does. Put them on the table and they're ready to go.

Or toast is calling your name. You know they'll eat it if you put out the Nutella or some jam. They can even spread it themselves and save you some time. But as easy as it is to reach for cereal or toast, you know it isn't giving your child the nutrition they need for a busy day at school. Cereal and toast are high in carbohydrates which turns to sugar when digested. Even with some milk, the main part of the breakfast will give your child a burst of sugar. That means fast energy but doesn't mean lasting energy.

A snack or meal that is mainly carbohydrates will increase your child's blood sugar levels quickly.

When blood sugar increases quickly, kids have a burst of energy. That's great to get them out the door and off to school, but it won't give them the lasting energy their brain needs to concentrate until lunch. But when that sugar boost wears off, their body will release adrenaline meaning they'll have a hard time following instructions, will feel irritated and remembering tasks will be more challenging. And the school day has just started.

So what's my favourite way to save time AND feed kids' brains until lunch? Give them leftovers for breakfast. Yes it feels weird but leftovers from dinner are much more likely to contain protein alongside carbohydrates. Even if it's cheese on a pizza, that protein will slow down the absorption of sugar for more lasting energy. Leftovers are also more likely to contain vegetables. We forget that vegetables can be eaten at breakfast don't we? Include them in the morning meal to give your child brain boosting nutrients to start their day.

As well a nutrient dense meal before a day of school, leftovers are already prepared. Whether you serve them cold (cold spaghetti for breakfast is my son's favourite) or warm them up, you'll be pretty close to the cereal box and toast timing and your child's brain will be ready for the day ahead.

Have you tried all kinds of breakfasts and your child still isn't focused at school? If you're ready for some support, schedule a short call with me.