Scientists found perfect breakfast for kids
Instead of cereal or oatmeal, scientists suggest serving kids with a plate of eggs instead. A high protein breakfast will keep children fuller for longer, which may prevent a cookie binge come lunch time.
A team of researchers, led by Tanja Kral, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, lead the study that’s recently published in Eating Behaviors.
According to the research, after consuming a high-protein breakfast (scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast, diced peaches, and one percent milk) children reduced their energy intake at lunch by seventy calories. That’s roughly equivalent to one small chocolate-chip cookie.
Moderately active children in the same age range as those who participated in the study generally need between 1,600 and 1,800 calories daily. The 70-calorie drop at one meal equals about four percent of a child’s daily caloric needs. Eating beyond the caloric threshold, even by a little, can cause excess weight gain and obesity in children, if sustained.
Future research should study children over a longer period of time as these findings could have important implications for the prevention of obesity, particularly for young people. Kral says. “It’s really important that we identify certain types of food that can help children feel full and also moderate caloric intake, especially in children who are prone to excess weight gain.”
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