[~~HappyMummy~~]

My 16yo stepdaughter has moved in with us recently and I've noticed she doesn't eat breakfast. I've spoken with her about it, how it's the most important meal of the day etc etc. but she says she's not hungry then.

She says she eats one of the 2 pieces of fruit I give her each day while waiting for the train.

I wondered about those up and go type breakfast drinks. Do you think buying them for her would actually be worse as its encouraging her to eat on the run? Or better than no breakfast at all?

I'm the stepmum. Her dad thinks its a bad idea.... Should also mention she's a bit overweight so I'm keen for her not to skip breakfast.

What do you think?? Thanks.

[fairymagic]

My youngest DD only has these for breakfast. We have tried upteen different cereals which she either doesn't like or gags on (she is 6 3/4). I figure it is better than toast (which she won't eat either) or nothing and i can't force her to eat cereal at her age. She has tried weetbix again after saying for years she didn't like it and gagged on it again. They probably aren't that healthy but since they are meant to have the equivalent nutrition as two weetbix I figure they can't be all bad either.

[CupOfCoffee]

My son is 14, I buy anything he wants to make sure he eats breakfast. So we do buy him Up and Go poppers for breakfast.

For me, it is about making sure he has some energy for the day (My son is quite thin and fit though).

[~chiquita~]

I don't do breakfast either and I love Up & Go's, they're not heavy on the stomach but keep you sustained for a couple of hours. The thought of eating anything within 2 hours of waking makes me feel ill.

This post has been edited by ~chiquita~: 09/12/2012, 08:29 PM

[morgansacre]

I also don't eat breakfast, I too am never hungry. I love Up and Go, and any of these liquid drinks. I also sometimes drink fruit juice at breakfast.

Lynn

[strawberrypie7]

I can't stomach food for 1-2 hours after waking so I have an Up and Go, for me they are great

[MrsLexiK]

If probably look at a protein powder she can mix with milk or water and drink on the way. Much less sugar in them and much more protein.

[ballogo]

I came to this thread beause my 6 year old was becoming difficult to make breakfast for and I began to make smoothies - she now alternates these with wholemeal toast with vegemite. To make the smoothies as nutritious as possible I use milk, fruit, and Jalna yoghurt (has less artificial flavourers etc.) and then add wheat germ or even a Weet Bix. My other two children have added these to their breakfast menus as well and I'm finding it ok to fit into our morning schedules - partly because it has decreased the arguing and stalling.

I was just reading the Sanitarium web site and these are the ingredients in a chocolate Up and Go

Filtered water, skim milk powder, cane sugar, wheat maltodextrin, soy protein, vegetable oils (sunflower, canola), hi-maize™ starch, corn syrup solids, inulin, fructose, cocoa (0.5%), cereals (oat flour, barley beta glucan), minerals (calcium, phosphorus), food acid (332), flavour, vegetable gums (460, 466, 407), vitamins (C, A, niacin, B12, B2, B6, B1, folate), salt.

After the water and skim milk powder is sugar. Then there is inulin (what is that?) food acid, flavour and vegetable gums.... For me - I wouldn't be keen to feed my children or teens this. BUT I know that feeling of desperation when your child won't eat anything for breakfast and breakfast turns into a battle ground. So like others have said - perhaps it's better than nothing? Or could you research other liquid breakfasts you could make at home for her with more nutritious ingredients?

This post has been edited by ballogo: 09/12/2012, 08:55 PM

[mum201]

My DH recently asked his dietician (sees her re diabetes) about these as he hates breakfast, and being diabetic he needs to eat small, low GI meals very frequently. Anyhow, she said whilst it's not the ideal breakfast option, it's not that bad and way better than not eating.

[beccaj]

A smoothie is a great idea, but I would stay away from up &go type ones. Quick and easy to make at home in the mornings - use a travel mug.

Banana, berries, yoghurt, chia seeds and some milk and youre set.

I can understand the not being hungry until later, I would prefer not to have breakfast until about 10am. If she is eating fruit waiting for the train - could you pack a fruit salad with yoghurt and nuts? Or make breakfast tortillas these are just as good cold so can be made the night before?