WEEK FOUR (Nov. 26 - Dec 2)

 What are the best cereals for children?

 A healthy cereal should contain:

• At least 3 grams of fiber
• No more than 6 grams of sugar
• No more than 3 grams of fat

Examples:

Fibre 1 honey clusters

Post Shreddies

Cheerios (original)

Quaker Corn Bran Squares

Blue Menu Instant Oatmeal (original & cinnamon and spice)

Quaker Oat Squares

Quaker Life Multigrain

Cereals such as Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes and Special K are low in fibre so they are not as healthy and do not satisfy hunger as well as high fibre cereals.  However, they are a better choice than Captain Crunch, Fruit Loops or Lucky Charms.

Reference:

New Brunswick Department of Education, Policy 711. Healthier Foods and Nutrition in Public Schools. March 17, 2008.

WEEK THREE (Nov. 19 - 25)

What are some healthy breakfast ideas that appeal to kids?

• Make up a big batch of whole-grain muffins, pancakes or waffles and freeze them. Toast or warm them up in the morning before school.  
• Here are some other creative breakfast options: 

        French Toast Sticks & Applesauce   Recipe 3

        Breakfast Pizza  Recipe 4 

        Breakfast Burrito Recipe 5

        Peanut Butter Banana Pita  Recipe 6

WEEK TWO (Nov. 12 - 18)

 How do you get your child to eat in the mornings?

       1.Serve realistic portions.

• Children’s stomachs are smaller than ours.
• If there is too much food offered at breakfast it will be difficult for them to finish. Serve smaller nutritious meals and snacks throughout day.
• One serving from a food group can be divided up. For example, half a Food Guide Serving of Meat and Alternatives can be served at two different meals such as one egg at lunch and half a chicken breast (1 oz) for dinner.

      2. Make on-the-go breakfasts.

• Some children are not hungry when they wake up in the morning.
• They will often start getting hungry on the way to school or when they arrive.
• Try these quick breakfast on-the-go recipes and ideas!

        Fruit and yogurt Smoothie - Recipe 1

        English muffin with apple & yogurt tube

        Oatmeal muffin with grapes and cheese - Recipe 2

 
       3. Prepare as much as you can the night before.

• ·       Defrost muffins, pre-mix pancake batter or a scrambled egg mixture.
• ·       Cut up fruits or vegetables for an omelette.
• ·       Have children help set the breakfast table the night before.

       4. Be a good role model.

• ·       Children learn the most through example.
• ·       Be sure to show your child that you enjoy a healthy breakfast every morning.
• ·       Set a designated place and time to have breakfast with the family each morning.

Adapted from:  Rolnick, A. RD. Breakfast Basics Nutrition Column. Heart & Stroke Foundation

WEEK ONE (Nov. 5 - 11)

Why Breakfast?

Elementary Student Wellness Survey 2010-2011 results show that 31% of District 16 children do not eat breakfast. Beginning the day with a healthy breakfast will:

• Improve concentration and learning at school
• Help maintain a healthy body weight
• Encourage healthier choices throughout the day
• Jumpstart metabolism
• Provide more energy and fuel for the day

What makes a healthy breakfast?

A combination of foods from at least three of four food groups in Canada’s Food Guide 

Examples:            Blueberries                                        2 egg omelette with

                             Oatmeal                                          Low fat cheddar cheese &

                             1 cup skim milk                               ½ cup green pepper