Bad Behavior & Breakfast: How Are They Linked?

Before dishing out punishment for little Johnny's tiff at school, take a look at what he had for breakfast, says a new book.

A recent article from Business Insider reviewed a book called Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength, which analyzed the link between blood sugar and acting out.

Researchers have found that children who got more breakfast misbehaved less, and after a morning snack good behavior dramatically increased.

In addition, researchers have tested the personalities of diabetics and found they respond to stress less well than non-diabetics, likely because of the lack of fuel to the brain. This includes tantrums and impulsive behavior.

The same effects occur in those with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar without full diabetic levels). 

Even more astonishingly, 90 percent of juvenile delinquents arrested had below-average blood sugar levels. In one Finnish study, scientists tracked convicts blood sugar—and were able to predict with 80 percent accuracy which would go on to commit violent crimes.

While Patch hasn't evaluated the scientific validity of the studies included in the book, most readers probably know the feeling of irritability when you're too rushed to get breakfast.

Sgt. Nancy Walker of the Ellisville Police Department, who conducts classes with students at local schools, said she couldn't comment on the study without more details on how it was conducted. However, Walker said appreciating how nutrition can shape one's day isn't necessarily new.

"My mom always told me to eat a good breakfast because it would keep me going all day."

As adults, most of us have learned the coping mechanisms and societal parameters that prevent us from acting out when hungry, but may find it hard not to lash out.

But for children, who still are forming behavioral, social and cognitive skills, breakfast and appropriately spaced meals are vital.

In 2010, the U.S. Senate passed the Child Nutrition Act, and local schools have slowly decreased less healthy foods like chicken nuggets.

The Parkway School District minimized soda machines, added fruits and vegetables, and has allowed parents to track their children's purchases and limit certain items.

Parkway's Wellness Policy, implemented in 2006, says that the district follows the USDA Dietary Guidelines and Missouri Eat Smart Guidelines.

Rockwood School District has a similar monitoring program for parents, and offers breakfast daily. Healthy options are available such as cereal and yogurt, as well as hot oatmeal.

"Breakfast is so important, it gives our bodies the fuel we need to be the most productive we can be" said Carmen Fischer, Director of Child Nutrition Services for Rockwood.

However, items like cinnamon rolls and pancakes are considered an entree, but lack protein and are high in sugar. Flavored milks with added sugar also are considered a milk choice, despite the addition. With those types of subtle differences present on menus everywhere, parents need to discuss appropriate food choices in addition to the nutrition education received at school.

Planning ahead may be a parent's best choice for instilling healthy eating habits in their children. Preparing food and freezing breakfast on Sunday for the week to cut down on morning times not only sets health as a priority in your home, but will also help young people indentify healthy foods visually.

Tips for pre-prepared breakfasts:

• Cook eggs in a muffin pan, add avocado and a whole wheat English muffin. Portion and freeze.

• Quick cook oatmeal with berries, flax, almond butter, or other healthy toppings.

• Scramble a bunch of chopped vegetables (spinach, broccoli, squash) with egg whites and portion and freeze for the week.

• Cook and freeze turkey bacon (watch sodium levels, though).