1. Kids who eat breakfast tend to eat healthier overall and are more likely to participate in physical activities. In the morning kids’ bodies need to refuel for the day after going without food for 8-12 hours. Skipping breakfast makes kids feel tired, restless, or irritable. And, their mood and energy can drop by midmorning if they don’t eat at least a small morning meal.

2. Breakfast can help keep kids’ weight in check. Breakfast kick starts the body’s metabolism–the process by which the body converts the fuel in food to energy. When the metabolism gets moving, the body starts burning calories. People who don’t eat breakfat often consume more calories throughout the day and are more likely to be overweight.

3. Choosing breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber and protein while low in added sugar can boost kids’ attention span, concentration, and memory, which they need to learn in school. Cream of the West whole grain prducts, we’re happy to say, fit all of these nutritional requirements. To see what I mean, check the Cream of the West products list.

While it would be great to serve 7-grain Cream of the West buttermilk flapjacks, fresh fruit and low-fat milk each morning, it’s difficult to make a healthy breakfast happen when you’re rushing to get yourself and the kids out the door. Here are some practical suggestions to ensure that–even in a rush–your kids get a good breakfast:
1. Stock your kitchen with healthy breakfast options. Hint: Cream of the West whole grain hot cereals are a nutritious, economical choice.
2. Prepare as much as you can the night before. For example, presoak Cream of the West Roasted Ranch Oats. Bring them to a boil the next morning and simmer for 4 minutes for an old-fashioned creamy oatmeal. Roasted Wheat and 7-Grain cook up in 4-5 minutes right out of the box.
3. Get everyone up 10 minutes earlier.
4. Let the kids help plan and prepare breakfast.
5. Have a grab-and-go alternative (fresh fruit, yogurt, Montana Crunch) on days when there is little or no time to eat.

What NOT to serve for breakfast is important too. READ THE NUTRITIONAL LABELS OF PRODUCTS CAREFULLY before you toss ‘too easy’ breakfast items, like toaster pastries or breakfast bars, in your shopping cart. They will not solve your problem. Many have no more nutritional value than a candy bar and are high in sugar.
Adapted from an article in Gallatin Gateway School Newspaper, February 2010.

1. Prevention – 9 Power Foods That Boost Immunity – Oats and barley, number 2 on the list, appear to have a type of fiber, beta-glucan, with more antimicrobial and antioxidant punch than echinacea, says a Norwegian study. For the sake of your good health this winter, order extra supplies of “Montana Crunch”, a tasty, nutritional, and possibly flu-fighting, oat and barley snack. Pair twice a day with number 1 yogurt for a double boost of immunity!
2. Suite 101 – 10 Ways to Boost Immune Health – Squeeze lemon juice into your herbal tea, cut back on sugar and caffeine, don’t skimp on protein, nurture yourself, stock up on raw fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water (no brainer), and GET OUTSIDE!
3. Fox News – 9 Ways to Boost Your Immune System – Massage, relax, listen to music, laugh, sleep…this is my kind of immunity building! Bottom line – reduce stress and eat healthy.
4. World of Mysteries – 12 Vital Foods to Boost Your Immune System – We’re seeing many of the same flu-fighting foods over and over. This article adds pumpkin (or pumpkin seeds), ginger, oysters, and turmeric. I’m thinking pumpkin bread made with freshly grated ginger and a pinch of turmeric – pretty, too!
5. CNN – Arm Your Immune System to Fight Flu – This article advises lean protein, healthy fats, an array of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and plenty of rest.

Brilliant detective that I am, I see a pattern beginning to emerge. Eat a variety of healthy, whole (never processed) foods, exercise daily (preferably outside), drink plenty of water, and pamper yourself!

Health Related Articles

• WebMD – Breakfasts for Strong Bones – COTW says, “use milk instead of water to cook your hot cereal or make a breakfast partait using yogurt, Montana Crunch, and fruit.”
• Prevention – ‘Bone Vitamin’ Booster – Orange juice can be just as effective as milk as a vitamin D booster.
• Everyday Health – What’s So Great About Whole Grains? – This is a great article and a great site.  It covers the definition, recommended daily servings, and cooking ideas of whole grains.
• Prevention – Fuel Weight Loss/Fight Diabetes with Fiber – Another Prevention article suggesting 12 easy ways to get your fill of fiber (what a great site!).  Fiber is one of their “Fat Fighting Four” supernutrients – found in – you guessed it – ALL of COTW’s products!
• Heart Healthy Women – Fiber and Grains – Another great site targeted specifically toward women’s heart health.  This article covers the difference between whole and refined grains, and the benefit of eating more of the former.

Until next time…