They can be fussy… don’t we all know it 😉
The key to a good “kid breakfast” is to remind them how important PROTEIN in for their body.
*** Interestingly, this the conversation I have with ADULTS as well… 😉 Doesn’t matter how old the “kid” is, apparently 😉 ***
Let’s not use the scientific, dull language, but instead things like this:
- Protein helps keep you fuller for longer
- It will keep you going so you’re not starving
- You can focus more and have more fun when you’re not so hungry
- You will have lots of energy to get through the morning
Eggs can be a hard-sell
Sometimes it takes a little while for kids to jump on the train with you. This is ok! It’s a journey, and we continue to gently remind them about how to fuel themselves well for the day.
We have four little turkeys and they are all a little bit different with regards to their “openness” to certain foods. All people are different, we have to acknowledge this! However, sticking to some solid foundational principles of nutrition (such as prioritising protein, getting in natural fruits and veggies first) means that we are getting the Good Stuff in first!
Should they want a piece of toast after eating this plate, cool. Fill your boots. But first, let’s fill your tummy with some nutrients – THEN we can see where we are from then.
Is Toast and/or Cereal really all that bad?
Yes and no.
Toast and/or Cereals are carbohydrates (and are generally paired with sugars either as spreads on the toast, or sugars in the cereal), which on their own are just not enough for what our body needs.
They fill the energy stores but then get used very quickly, leaving us (and our kids) STARVING and looking for the next HIT of carbs! It becomes this vicious cycle of chasing the Carb-High.
By PAIRING these foods with proteins and fats, we are able to BUFFER their effect on the body and it becomes more of a slow-release situation (in the simplest of terms!)
The Best Option is a Balanced One:
Look for a BALANCED plate of protein (eggs, ham), carbs (fruit, toast, cereal), and fats (fat in the eggs, butter on toast, a couple nuts, PB or Almond butter on toast instead of jam).
I guarantee this small adjustment will have your kids feeling more set-up for the day and not chasing their tail from a Carb-High.
