April 2013 Summary

RTEC consumption may be a marker of an overall healthy lifestyle. Breakfast consumption, specifically RTEC consumption, may indicate eating patterns that are more favorable for weight maintenance. It is possible that a breakfast including RTEC may provide satiety and prevent consumption of less nutrient-dense foods later in the day. Those involved with nutrition education should continue to promote the importance of eating a nourishing breakfast with RTEC as an option.


Question 1: If a child presents with food allergies that prevent RTEC consumption, what are some alternative breakfast options for this child that will provide the same nutrients commonly found in RTECs?

Kaitlin suggested that the child could receive similar nutrients through fortified foods and by eating well-balanced meals throughout the day.

Nate would recommend a fortified breakfast alternative such as Carnation instant breakfast in addition to scrambled eggs, spinach, and fruit/yogurt smoothies.

Emily brought up an excellent point that if a child had a gluten allergy and was lactose intolerant, it would be challenging for a FS manager to find an option for this child and this child may likely eat breakfast at home instead of participating in the SBP. However, if the child was to participate in the SBP, appropriate accommodations would have to be made.

Beth suggested eggs, meat, milk and/or fruit as a healthy breakfast option.

Teju noted that identifying the allergen is the first step. In this question, I specifically did not address a specific allergy so writers could broaden their suggestions when considering the multiple allergies that could occur.

Lynetta recommended a yogurt parfait, breakfast bars, breakfast drinks, fruit, nut butter, and scrambled egg wraps as a healthy breakfast option.

Amy stated that although cereal supplies a variety of nutrients, it generally lacks in protein. Due to this, she feels that it is not necessary to force parents to feed their child cereal unless there has been an identifiable deficiency in iron or folate.

Erin said that as long as the child is eating something for breakfast, it is better than not eating anything at all and they can receive nutrients commonly found in RTECs throughout the day.

Emily brought up a great point that cereals such as Rice Krispies and Chex are gluten-free, so p if a child had a gluten allergy parents would not have to buy a “special” cereal.

Erin and Courtney agreed with Amy in that cereals tend to be low in protein so she would include a protein source with breakfast (nuts, eggs, granola bars).

Question 2: According to this study, children are less likely to consume breakfast as they grow older. The greatest decrease has been seen among adolescent girls aged 15 to 18 years whose breakfast consumption can decline by 20%. As an RD counseling a girl this age, what are some strategies you would use in educating about the importance of breakfast? (Keep in mind gender and developmental stage

Kaitlin stated that females at this age tend to become more concerned with their physical appearance. Because of this, she would emphasize the relationship between eating breakfast and kick-starting your metabolism.

Nate feels that the decrease in breakfast consumption may be related to lack of time. He would suggest easy breakfast options such as oatmeal, parfaits, bars, etc.

Beth agrees that adolescents would rather spend additional time sleeping in the morning than making time for breakfast. From an educational standpoint, she feels it would be important to find out why they are skipping breakfast in order to provide the appropriate education.

Emily brings up a good point that this age group is easily influenced by their peers and this may contribute to eating/not eating breakfast.

Lynetta discussed the role that media and product marketing have on this age group and how this can encourage adolescents if the product is marketed appropriately.

Kelsey would explain that eating breakfast can encourage weight maintenance and that it can prevent consumption of larger meals later on in the day. She also brought up the benefits of group counseling sessions with this age group.

Emily S. feels that we preach that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, but actually educating people why this is true is important.

Aria, Amy, and others agree that stressing the importance of calcium consumption in this group is important for proper bone growth and development.

Question 3: A parent voices concern in the amount of added sugar in some RTECs and prefers that their child does not eat them. What would be your response to this?

Kaitlin would explain that although there is sugar added, the benefits outweigh the harm of extra sugar and RTEC can be consumed in moderation if the parent is concerned.

Nate suggested cereals that do not have added sugar, adding fruit to cereal to increase flavor, or using light soy or almond milk.

Beth agrees that added sugar in cereals can be of concern. However, it is more beneficial to eat than eating nothing at all.

Emily and others agree that they would praise the parent for being aware of the nutritional content of the foods they are providing for their child. If the parent really does not want their child to eat RTEC with added sugar, she would work with this parent to find other options.

Lynetta discussed the source of this parent’s information about added sugar—is the parent actually reading food labels, hearing this information in the media or from a friend. The source of information may be beneficial in educating this parent.

Amy states that it is about finding a balance and weighing pros and cons. She feels that RTEC may have added sugar, but they also provide whole grains, vitamins, minerals, etc.

Kelsey and Alyssa would educate the parent on reading food labels and choosing whole grain options, protein options, and fruits and veggies that can be included at breakfast if RTEC is not an option.

Sarah agrees with others that making the child part of the conversation is important even if they are not the individual purchasing items.

Angela discussed the source of added sugar in children’s diets and it is usually not from cereal. She brings up a good point that a lot of yogurt marketed towards kids has more than 15g of sugar. She would ask questions about the child’s overall diet to assess whether there are other sources of added sugar.

Emily S. has recently seen schools getting RTEC’s that have 25% less sugar than what we purchase in the stores, so schools are making an effort to reduce added sugar consumption.

Carly compared a bowl of Lucky Charms (11g sugar) to a can of Dr. Pepper (41 g) and feels that added sugar from cereals is the least of our concerns when assessing a child’s overall diet.

Overall, all of the responses were appropriate and I feel like a lot of great suggestions were offered.