Best Breakfasts for Kiddies

Last week was salt awareness week and I received some startling facts in my inbox during the week. When it comes to food and nutrition, I feel like I'm starting to take more notice of what I'm eating and obviously the children too. I'm noticing certain foods have a negative and when I eat well, my energy levels and mood all change for the better. So when DW fitness shared with me their research, I was a little bit shocked.

For children aged 4-6, the NHS recommends no more than 3g of salt per day.

A serving of 30g of cereal contains:

• Kelloggs Krave = 12% of your child’s recommended salt intake (6% for adults)

• Rice Krispies = 12% of your child’s recommended salt intake (6% for adults)

• Cheerios = 10% of your child’s recommended salt intake (5% for adults)

•Coco Krispies = 8% of your recommended salt intake (4% for adults)

Manufacturers list salt content per 30g, but that’s a very modest portion size, for a hungry child (and aren’t they all!) It would be very easy to eat two or three times that. So what would be more ideal for our little ones and us? DW Fitness collaborated with Carly Yue, who is a qualified DW personal trainer, nutritionist, published fitness author and an ambassador for South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association and has recommended some quick and easy breakfast alternatives.

Fat-free Greek yoghurt, a handful of berries and almonds.

“Greek yoghurt is widely labelled as a “superfood”, such are the vast nutritional benefits that it offers. A good source of potassium, protein, calcium and essential vitamins, this food forms an ideal base for a healthy breakfast for growing kids.”

Two slices of wholemeal toast with two teaspoons of peanut butter

“So fast and easy to make, yet so effective. Peanut butter is a good source of “healthy fats”, as well as protein and Vitamin E among other nutrients, a liberal spreading of peanut butter can set you up for the day. Great for a busy school run.”

Porridge made with oats, almond milk and one banana

“Be careful when you buy your porridge, as some brands will cram a lot of sugar in there. Porridge is a good breakfast option as it is renowned for releasing energy slowly, which means kids can get to lunch time without suffering from an energy lull. A great source of fibre, potassium and vitamins, bananas are always a good accompaniment to your morning oats.”