By Sinead Bradbury - Performance Nutritionist SENr
Children and adolescents need so much nourishment to support physical and mental growth and wellbeing. School, sports, and after-school activities place extra demands on their needs. We always hear about the importance of breakfast, but a recent report from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey of findings from 227,441 young people aged 11, 13, and 15 years living in 45 countries/regions found that more than 4 out of 10 adolescents do not eat breakfast every school day, and that teenage girls tend to skip breakfast in comparison to boys of the same age. We need to look at this and provide healthy and easy options for children and adolescents of all ages.
Here is a recipe that will save you time in the morning. It contains protein, healthy fats, and an array of vitamins and minerals. It is easy to prepare and takes less than five minutes in the morning.
Recipe:
- ¼ Cup of Oats (slow releasing carbohydrates & fibre)
- ½ Banana (potassium, magnesium, fibre)
- ½ Cup of Greek Yoghurt (protein, calcium, bone health)
- ½ Cup of Frozen Berries (antioxidants, immune support)
- 1 Tbsp of Milled Seeds (plant protein, healthy fats)
- 1 Sachet of Revive Active Junior/ Teen Revive
- ½ Cup of Milk of Choice
Blend all together and serve at any time of your busy day. Enjoy!
Reference: Inchley, J.; Currie, D.B.; Budisavljevic, S.; Torsheim, T.; Jåstad, A.; Cosma, A.; Kelly, C.; Arnarsson, Á. Spotlight on Adolescent Health and Well-Being: Findings from the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Survey in Europe and Canada; WHO Regional Office for Europe: Copenhagen, Denmark, 2020.