Released August 7, 2009

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Studies show breakfast makes better students, according to Rosemary Rodibaugh, extension nutrition specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Medical School in 1998 found that children who eat breakfast showed significant gains in math scores, decreased rates of tardiness and fewer discipline problems when compared with three control schools.

Breakfast also has a positive effect on a child's body mass index - an indicator of obesity.

"A 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children who eat breakfast tend to have lower BMI than children who skip breakfast," she said. The study also found that "children who skipped breakfast showed an increase in BMI as they grew older, indicating there are long term, negative effects from making a habit of skipping breakfast."

Rodibaugh said children who skip breakfast, usually don't make up for the lost nutrients during other meals. Instead, "they snack on low-nutrient, high-fat foods," which compounds diet-related health issues.

For most families, time pressure is the chief reason for skipping breakfast.

Rodibaugh said families have a couple of options: the School Breakfast Program, which is widely available at Arkansas' public schools, or some fast prep foods.

"Breakfast on the run can include something as simple as peanut butter toast made from whole grain bread, and 100 percent juice or low-fat milk in a travel cup," she said.

Other quick options

• Bake up a make-ahead omelet by mixing eggs, cheese, veggies or other add-in and pour into a muffin pan sprayed with oil. Bake at 375 degrees until a knife inserted comes out clean - around 15-20 minutes. When done, the omelets can be frozen and reheated and popped into a pita or other breakfast bread

• Yogurt and granola are an easy, portable choice

• Cold cereal works with milk or as a snack dry

"When parents take the time to eat with their children, modeling good breakfast habits, children tend to carry that good habit forward," Rodibaugh said.

For more information on nutrition, contact your county extension office or visit http://www.arfamilies.org/health_nutrition/nutrition/ or to learn more about nutrition for children, visit http://www.arfamilies.org/health_nutrition/nutrition/kids/.

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http://www.uaex.edu/news/august2009/0807breakfast.htm

Writer: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu