Start the day by breaking that fast!

Heard that saying ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’? I know you might not believe it, but recent research shows that by missing breakfast, you are more likely to become unhealthy and overweight.

This is because you will become hungry during the day and snack instead of eating a full meal, often on unhealthy foods.

Finding it hard to concentrate at school? Having a decent breakfast before you start your day will help you. If you’re not sure what you should be eating for breakfast check out these ideas.

For parents…

A recent report has found that 32% of English children miss breakfast. 4,326 children aged 10-16 were surveyed and it was found that those that missed breakfast were more likely to be obese as rather than eating a morning meal, these children snack throughout the day.

"These findings are worrying because we found more obesity and lower levels of physical activity among skippers, which is of great concern because these children are more likely to develop chronic disease in adulthood like cancer, heart disease and diabetes," Gavin Sandercock, the lead author of the report (‘32% of pupils skip breakfast before school, study finds’)

Without a healthy breakfast before school begins, it is hard for children to keep their attention levels up. Many schools now run breakfast clubs, which are great for those that wouldn’t get a meal at home, and for encouraging children to eat breakfast with their friends. However it is worrying that so many parents are not providing a decent morning meal for their children, especially as children model their behaviour on their parents (Professor Mitch Blair of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health).

Getting a good start to the day with a healthy and filling breakfast will ensure that children can make the most of their school day and will prevent them from snacking on foods that may lead to obesity and health problems.

17th August

Amy Hannington is a Research Assistant at PARN (Professional Associations Research Network).
PARN is a not-for-profit, membership organisation for professional bodies. PARN’s main areas of expertise are research and consultancy services, provided not only for our members, but for other professional bodies and organisations interested in the field of professionalism.

To contact Amy email amy@parnglobal.com or call +44 (0)117 928 1991.