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Is breakfast truly the most important meal of the day? And do PRHS teens believe that their breakfast habits affect their mental and physical health?

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It has been said time and time again that breakfast is the most important meals of the day. Teens need extra nutrients to support bone growth, hormonal changes and organ and tissue development, including the brain. But do teens know this? Do they believe these facts?

THE FACTS:

Research shows that breakfast can affect your mental health and overall bodily function in many different ways. In an article Ask The Wellness Doctor featured in the Wellsource Inc website, written by Don Hall, DrPH, a Certified Health Specialist (CHES) they stated, “By keeping your blood sugar levels steady, it helps improve focus and attention span. It's also proven to boost short-term memory and creativity. Studies have found that those who eat a healthy breakfast each day are more productive throughout the day.”

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WHAT THE STUDENTS THINK:

70.6% of students surveyed said that breakfast affects how they feel throughout the day, with most saying when they eat in the morning they feel more motivated and feel healthier. Sophomore Ana Lopez said, “When I eat something that is pretty healthy, like an acai bowl, I will be much more productive. When I eat a sugary cereal I don't feel so good throughout the day”

"We all know the phrase breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I understand why, eating a nutritious meal before kicking off the day boosts one's energy. Though most of the time I feel unmotivated to eat breakfast; I don't have a large appetite, and I'm more likely to follow what I'm feeling in the morning than consider what may be a more wise choice." - Cara Robinson (12)

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The Coffee Dilemma:

Caffeine is a major factor in the lives of many teens. But how does it affect the health of adolescents? Caffeine can stunt adolescent's development by disrupting the formation of key connections in the brain. Some evidence that shows this is from an article on VeryWellHealth.com written by Amy Morin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) that stated, "Caffeine takes a major toll on a teen’s sleep. Every 10 milligrams of caffeine a 13-year-old boy consumes decreases his chances of getting 8.5 hours of sleep by 12%.5 Sleep deprivation in teens can affect their education, mental health, and physical health."

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