Key Messages

The objective of NNOW 2018 is to create awareness among the public about the importance of eating breakfast.

EATING BREAKFAST REGULARLY HAS MANY HEALTH BENEFITS

Eating a healthy breakfast regularly, i.e. on most days of the week

Forms part of a healthy lifestyle – people who eat breakfast regularly also tend to be more active and follow a healthier lifestyle;
Can provide important nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals;
Contributes to healthy eating throughout the day – people who eat breakfast regularly also eat more vegetables, fruit and make healthy food choices the rest of the day, snacking less on unhealthy foods high in fat or sugar, thus;
Helps to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
Helps to prevent type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure;
Improves learners’ alertness, mood, academic scores and class behaviour.

Change gradually. Start having breakfast on two mornings at first in a week and then increase it over time. Your eventual goal is to eat breakfast every day.
Wake up earlier. You really only need an additional 15 minutes to sit-down at the table for breakfast. Eating a bowl of porridge and milk or a lightly blended smoothie made of fruit and yoghurt takes just as much time and costs less to prepare than buying something to eat on your way to work or school.
Split it up. If you’re not hungry first thing in the morning, grab a piece of fruit as you walk out of the door and take a packed sandwich or healthy smoothie to eat later.
Keep nutrient-dense foods, such as trail mix, dried fruit and unsalted nuts in the car, in backpacks, purses or briefcases to eat on the way to school or work.

Set an example for your children. Parents and caregivers are role models for children. Children who see adults eat breakfast are more likely to eat breakfast and carry on healthy habits.
Plan to start having meals, including breakfast together as a family. Start gradually with a few meals per week and then increase it.
Schedule a specific time for having breakfast together.
Involve children of all ages in planning, shopping and preparing meals.
Enlist the help of the whole family. Giving jobs to everyone creates a shared experience and can make the workload lighter. Children are more likely to eat the meals they help prepare. In addition to this, preparing meals together is a great way to connect with one another and have fun!
Turn off distractions like the TV, computer, tablets and phones during mealtimes. Keep toys and books off the table.
Feed infants directly. Assist the older infants and young children who are feeding themselves. Feed slowly and patiently and encourage the children to eat without forcing them. Minimise distractions during meals if the child loses interest easily.
Remember that feeding times are periods of learning and love – talk to children during feeding and make eye to eye contact.