Help your child make the honor roll this year; the nutrition honor roll that is. Nutrition and learning go hand in hand and kids who are nutritionally fit are more likely to
have the energy, stamina and self-esteem that enhance their ability
to learn and be active. The American Dietetic Association offers some
``study tips'' to help ensure a successful school year.

Start kids out with a healthy breakfast. For children and teens a morning meal is especially important. ``After eight to 12 hours without a meal or snack, a child's body needs
fuel,'' says Althea Zanecosky, a Philadelphia, Penn., registered dietitian
and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. ``Breakfast
prepares children to meet the challenges of learning.''

Research shows that breakfast skippers often feel tired, irritable or restless in the morning, but those who regularly eat a morning meal have a better attitude towards
school and have more energy by late morning. ``Kids who eat breakfast
tend to have more strength and endurance, and better concentration and
problem-solving ability,'' Zanecosky says.

Studies suggest breakfast not only has a significant effect on learning, it may help control weight and reduce the risk for heart disease. ``Breakfast eaters are less likely
to be ravenously hungry for mid-morning snacks or lunch and they tend
to eat less fat during the day, too,'' Zanecosky says.

Don't let kids use the excuse of not being hungry. Even eating a small breakfast can help restore needed fuel for the morning. ``Make breakfast fun by planning it with
your child; decide who prepares what and work together to get it done,''
Zanecosky says. ``If your child doesn't like traditional breakfast foods,
don't worry -- breakfast can be any food they like, even a slice of
pizza.''

The kinds of food kids eat for breakfast can make a big difference in energy levels. When a breakfast consists mostly of sugary foods, such as fruit, fruit juice, candy or
pop, a quick rise in blood sugar occurs, causing a rush of energy. After
about an hour, blood sugar and energy decline, bringing on symptoms
of hunger. A balanced breakfast, consisting of foods containing carbohydrate,
sugar, protein and fat, gives a constant release of energy, delaying
symptoms of hunger for several hours. ``Breakfast should be included
as part of an overall healthy eating plan,'' says Zanecosky.

Keep quick-to-fix foods on hand or get breakfast foods ready the night before, if time is an issue. Breakfast cereal, bagels, toaster waffles, yogurt, canned and fresh
fruit, juice, milk, cheese and cottage cheese are all good options.
Or, bring your breakfast with you: a carton of yogurt; a bagel spread
with peanut butter; or grapes, crackers and cheese.

``Overall, a well-nourished child is a ready-to-learn child,'' Zanecosky says. ``Food nourishes at every age and stage in a child's life and proper nutrition is crucial
for social emotional and psychological development. Teaching children
how to eat healthy will enable them to establish a foundation of good
nutrition and healthful lifestyle habits.''

For more information on back to school nutrition, log onto ADA's new Web site at www.eatright.org . The American Dietetic Association is the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals in the
world. With headquarters in Chicago, ADA serves the public by promoting
optimal nutrition, health and well-being.

Source: American Dietetic Association