6 reasons your child shouldn’t skip breakfast before school
Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, especially for children heading for school. A nutritious breakfast provides the essential fuel to kick-start the day, ensuring they have the energy, focus and mental clarity needed to succeed in the classroom.
According to an online medical information portal, WebMD, breakfast, which literally means breaking the fasting period after the previous night, is crucial for children. It is typically the first meal of the day, eaten in the morning, and is vital in restoring energy and nutrients to the body after a long night of fasting.
Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast are more likely to perform better academically, maintain better attention, and have improved memory retention.
Beyond cognitive benefits, breakfast is key in regulating metabolism, supporting overall physical health, and stabilising blood sugar levels. With a balanced breakfast, children can avoid the mid-morning slump and stay energised until lunchtime.
A public health specialist, Dr Goke Ogunlana, said eating in the morning helps with insulin level stabilisation and glycogen replenishment.
He added, “Skipping breakfast often leads to excessive hunger, irritability, and fatigue. In addition, skipping meals can cause the body to store calories instead of burning them efficiently.”
According to Better Health Channel, when you wake up from an overnight sleep, you may have gone as long as 12 hours without eating.
“Breakfast replenishes the body’s energy and nutrient stores, helping to maintain blood sugar levels. The body’s energy source is glucose, and after a long fasting period, glycogen stores are low.
“Eating breakfast helps boost energy and restore glycogen levels, which aids in maintaining a steady metabolism throughout the day. Skipping breakfast may seem like a way to reduce energy intake, but research shows that breakfast eaters tend to be more physically active in the morning compared to those who skip it,” Better Health Channel added.
Understanding the importance of breakfast can help parents make informed decisions about their children’s nutrition, setting them up for success both in the classroom and beyond.
As children begin their school day, their bodies and brains require the necessary fuel to maintain focus, energy and a positive mood throughout the morning.
Therefore, skipping breakfast can lead to various issues, from lack of concentration and poor academic performance to mood swings and health problems.
Breakfast boosts your child’s energy, improves concentration level
This immediate energy boost is crucial for maintaining focus and concentration in the morning. Carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits and vegetables provide a steady release of glucose to the brain, enhancing cognitive performance. According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat a balanced breakfast experience better concentration, improved memory and overall mental alertness.
It improves mood, emotional stability
Skipping breakfast can cause blood sugar levels to drop, leading to irritability, mood swings, and difficulty managing stress. Dr Ogunlana explained that eating in the morning helps stabilise insulin levels and replenish glycogen, noting that children who skip breakfast are likely to feel excessively hungry, angry and exhausted. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that children who regularly consume breakfast experience fewer mood disturbances and lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Eating in the morning supports growth, development
During school years, children undergo critical physical and cognitive growth. A nutritious breakfast that includes proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals supports brain development, immune function, and overall health. Foods like eggs, whole grains, dairy, and fruits provide these essential nutrients. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stressed the importance of breakfast for healthy growth, noting that nutrients such as protein and fibre are vital for proper development. The CDC also highlights that children who skip breakfast often have lower intakes of important nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health and growth.
Breakfast enhances academic performance
Studies consistently show a positive relationship between breakfast consumption and academic performance. Children who eat breakfast tend to have better memory, problem-solving skills, and overall school performance. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that children who ate breakfast had significantly better performance in reading, math, and attention tasks compared to those who skipped it. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health also notes that breakfast consumption contributes to better academic outcomes by improving attention span and cognitive functions.
It promotes healthy eating habits
A balanced breakfast sets the tone for healthy eating throughout the day. Children who eat breakfast are more likely to make healthier food choices at lunch and dinner. Skipping breakfast may lead to overeating later in the day or choosing less nutritious snacks. The National Institutes of Health said regular breakfast consumption is associated with healthier dietary patterns, including higher intakes of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as lower consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and junk foods. The Journal of Nutrition indicates that breakfast eaters tend to maintain more balanced diets with better nutrient intake compared to those who skip it.
Skipping morning food could trigger type 2 diabetes, obesity
The Director of Nutrition Services in Osun State, Dr James Oloyede, said skipping breakfast can counteract weight control efforts. “When breakfast is skipped, clock genes related to weight loss are down-regulated, leading to spikes in blood sugar and poor insulin responses, especially in diabetics,” he said.
He also noted that skipping breakfast can trigger weight gain even if the person does not overeat later in the day. Skipping meals leads to a drop in blood sugar, a slowing of metabolism, raised cortisol levels, and other issues like moodiness, tiredness, and lightheadedness. These effects increase the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Ensuring that children start their day with a nutritious breakfast is vital for their cognitive, emotional, and physical health. It provides the fuel needed for their growing bodies and developing brains to function optimally throughout the school day and beyond.
