Fourth Grade
Worksheets
The Basics of Breakfast
Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? You've probably heard that over and over again, but you may wonder if it's true. Well, breakfast is essential.
Breakfast is the meal that refuels the body after going without food for eight hours or so while sleeping. Research has shown differences between those who eat breakfast and those who don't. Those who do eat breakfast tend to eat healthier overall and are more likely to be physically active as well, thereby helping to keep a healthy weight. Those who eat breakfast tend to have diets with more nutrients, including calcium, vitamins, and iron. Those who don't eat breakfast feel more tired and irritable. They often take in more calories the rest of the day as they snack because they are so hungry. They are also more prone to be overweight. Breakfast is also helpful in starting up the body's metabolism for the day. Metabolism is the process of turning food into energy. Therefore, it also helps the body burn calories. Those who don't eat breakfast often have a lower metabolic rate. Those who eat breakfast are known to do better in school. Eating breakfast may actually improve memory. Conversely, those who don't eat breakfast are less likely to learn.
If breakfast is that important, it may seem that any breakfast is better than no breakfast. To a certain extent that might be true. However, the choice of healthy food for breakfast is an important part of healthy living. A breakfast that is high in sugar and fat, such as doughnuts, is certainly not healthy. Foods such as that also leave people hungry soon after being consumed.
