By Carol Berg Sloan
Registered Dietician
A good friend of mine works with Eggland’s Best eggs and shared this article that is perfect for back to school. I buy Eggland’s Best because they contain higher amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids than regular store-brand eggs, and most of us lack Omega-3 in the diet. Eggland’s Best eggs are available at most grocery stores and at the Fresh & Easy store at the corner of Paramount and Del Amo for a great price.
Breakfast brain food is the best way to start the day. Heading back to school after summer vacation can be challenging for parents and children getting up earlier for class and purchasing new clothes and school supplies. The best purchase may actually be the groceries stocked in the refrigerator, like healthy breakfast foods such as Eggland’s Best Eggs with their great taste and increased nutritional benefits.
“The food that children consume affects their daily performance, and parents can help their kids get a jump-start on the day by making a nutritious and hearty breakfast,” said Mannette Richardson RD, director of Nutrition Services for Eggland’s Best. “With three times more Omega-3s and 10 times more vitamin E than the average egg, Eggland’s Best is one of many nutrient-dense foods that can potentially help promote brain focus along with memory and cognitive functions in children throughout the day.”
A recent study conducted by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children who had decreased school performance also had unhealthy eating habits. These children consumed low levels of highly nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruit, fish and eggs. Additionally, the Journal of Pediatrics recently highlighted the importance of a nutritious morning meal, linking skipping breakfast to weight increase in adolescent school children. Starting the day with Eggland’s Best eggs for breakfast can reduce hunger due to greater satiety and reduce overall calorie intake for the day.
Don’t let the morning time crunch tempt kids to skip breakfast. Here are a few ways to save time:
• Pack school bags at night and put them by the door
• Make bedtime fun and lay out clothes when the kids go to bed
• To make kids more enthusiastic about eating in the morning, ask them to choose part of the meal
Try the tasty recipe above to make the most of this valuable brain food.
Eggland’s Best Brainy Burrito
2 Eggland’s Best eggs
1 whole wheat tortilla
1 tablespoon refried beans
1/4 cup low-fat cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons salsa
1/2 avocado, sliced
Nonstick spray
1.Spray nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Beat Eggland’s Best eggs; pour into skillet and cook, stirring continually until slightly set, about 2 minutes. Add cheese.
2. Spread refried beans on tortilla. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
3.Spread Eggland’s Best egg and cheese filling down the center of the tortilla. Add salsa and sliced avocado. Fold one side of the tortilla over filling. Fold up bottom. Roll securely.
