The majority of moms and teachers who took a recent American Egg Board survey say eggs are "the best" breakfast option, topping cereal, waffles and even oatmeal.1 As kids head back-to-school, reestablishing a morning routine can be hectic, but it's important that breakfast is not forgotten. With just a little know-how, a high-quality protein breakfast of eggs takes just minutes.
In fact, 82 percent of moms and teachers agree a high-quality protein breakfast including eggs is the best way for kids to start important days.1 Additionally, moms and teachers notice that when their kids or students eat eggs for breakfast, they're more energetic, more mentally alert and they don't feel hungry until lunch, an observation supported by a recent study among adolescents which found that a protein-rich breakfast improves appetite control and leads to increased feelings of fullness.2
"Helping your kids achieve success on an important day, whether taking a test or playing sports, starts with a high-quality protein breakfast," says Serena Ball, registered dietitian and partner at Teaspoon Communications nutrition group. "Studies have shown kids who eat breakfast demonstrate improved memory function, improved grades and higher test scores. Eggs are a smart choice because they help kids stay full longer and deliver a lot of essential vitamins and minerals - things many other breakfast options can't always deliver. Plus, eggs are now 14 percent lower in cholesterol with 185 mg each."
Easy eggs for important days
Even on hectic mornings, eggs can't be beat. When Chef Jeffrey Saad, Cooking Channel Host and father of two, needs to feed his kids fast, he microwaves eggs for his family.
"In the morning rush, parents often turn to less nutritious breakfast options to save time. What they don't realize is that you can microwave eggs just as quickly as you can fix a bowl of cereal," says Saad. "In just minutes, anyone can whip up a scrambled egg in a mug, top it with cheese and salsa and feel confident their kids are getting the energy they need for their day. It's even easier to prepare a dozen hard-boiled eggs on Sunday and give your kids one each morning for a protein boost."
You can master microwaving eggs this school year and ensure your kids are getting the high-quality protein breakfast they need with these easy recipes:
- Microwave 3-Minute Breakfast Hash ($0.54 per serving)
- Microwave Egg, Canadian Bacon 'N' Cheese Muffin ($1.25 per serving)
- Microwave Egg, Cheddar & Sausage Breakfast Tortilla ($0.92 per serving)
- Microwave Ham, Mushroom & Swiss Coffee Cup Scramble ($1.73 per serving)
1. Impulse Research Survey for American Egg Board. Survey conducted online with a random sample of 1010 moms with kid(s) aged 2-12 and school teachers (723 moms and 287 teachers). Research was conducted in June 2011. Overall sampling error is +/-3% at the 95% rate of confidence.
2. Leidy HJ, Racki EM. The addition of a protein-rich breakfast and its effect on acute appetite control and food intake in ‘breakfast skipping’ adolescents. Int J Obs 2010. Accessed 8/6/2010.
Source: American Egg Board.
