Having a healthy meal at the start of your day can set you off on the right foot and gives with plenty of energy to face what the day has to bring. This is especially true for your young children. Keep reading to learn why a healthy breakfast is so important for preschoolers, and how you can ensure your child is getting the nutrients they need — even on busy mornings.

They Sleep Longer

Preschoolers tend to sleep for longer stretches at night than adults. Most people will eat every four to six hours during the day. But most preschoolers sleep between eight and twelve hours at night; that’s eight to twelve hours without food, so it’s important that you replenish their calories and energy when they wake in the morning. Filling their empty bellies with nourishing, healthy meals for breakfast will give them the right start to their day.

They Play Hard

Every parent knows what it’s like when your child seems to have an endless supply of energy. Preschoolers play hard and can burn anywhere between 118 and 172 calories during active play. It’s important to give them the calories they need to run, play, learn, and grow as they need to.

It Keeps Them Happy

Adults aren’t the only ones who get “hangry.” When your preschooler gets hungry, and their energy is running low, they can get cranky and emotional. They’re more prone to tantrums and meltdowns, so it’s important that you keep them fed with healthy foods that will give them the energy they need. Feeding your child properly is just as important as ensuring they’re well-rested when it comes to keeping your child healthy and happy.

Giving Your Kid a Healthy Breakfast

So what constitutes a healthy breakfast for your preschooler? You want to try to ensure you include the three following components in every breakfast:

1. Healthy carbs
2. Protein
3. Fiber

This can mean cooking an elaborate breakfast such as whole-wheat waffles with fried eggs and turkey sausage or as simple as an omelet muffin with whole-grain toast. Having the three components mentioned ensures your child feels full, has the energy they need, and is getting the nutrients necessary to fuel their body.

Breakfasts for Busy Mornings

As every parent knows, more often than not, you’re just scrambling to get out the door on time for preschool. You don’t have a lot of time to spend making a big, healthy breakfast for everyone every day. And, while you may be tempted to give your kids sugary cereals or a toaster pastry on the way out the door, there are better ways to feed your preschooler quickly, while still giving them the nutrients they need. Try these options instead:

• Omelet muffins – Scramble some eggs mixed with cottage cheese, cooked sausage, and cheddar cheese or any other ingredients you like. Bake them in a muffin tin, then freeze. Pull them out and microwave until warm for a quick, healthy breakfast. Serve it along with a slice of wheat toast to get those healthy carbs and fiber as well.
• Toaster waffles – Not all toaster breakfasts are bad. Look for whole-wheat toaster waffles, or make up a large batch of them yourself and stick them in the freezer for later. If you make them yourself, you can make sure to include eggs and milk in your batter so that the healthy proteins are mixed in.

By feeding your preschooler a healthy, wholesome breakfast, you’ll be starting their day right and getting them ready to learn and play all day long.

If you’re looking to enroll your child in a preschool in Spring Hill, TN, please reach out to us to see what availabilities we have.