doctors claim that breakfast is the most important meal of the day

The importance of getting your children to eat breakfast has been highlighted by a new study. The research project examined over 15,000 five year old children who were born in 2002 and 2001. Their results showed that the children who were obese had a statistically significant greater likelihood of not eating breakfast when compared to those children who were of a normal weight.

The researchers also noted that the children who were of a normal weight and who had breakfast tended to eat a smaller amount for lunch and also not to eat unhealthy snacks in between regular meals. The researchers also highlighted the fact that this problem is also socio-economic by pointing out that children with unemployed parents were nearly three times more likely to not have breakfast when compared to families where both parents have jobs.

Many nutritionists and doctors claim that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. They say that it kick starts the metabolism and allows you to get on with your work without distraction from hunger which leads to unhealthy snacking. Allowing yourself to get hungry is dangerous because it opens you up to temptation to eat unhealthy food.

The study which was led by Professor Heather Joshi of the Millennium Cohort Study said that children not eating breakfast could be just due to the absence of a daily routine. A healthy eating routine for children can set them up for life free from the problems of obesity and a poor diet. If your children reach their teenage years with a weight problem they are very likely to have that problem for the rest of their lives.

Parents should not underestimate the importance of setting a good example and instilling healthy eating principles when their children are young.