A study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DoST) has confirmed that students from public and private schools have a strong positive attitude towards eating breakfast.

The word “breakfast” is derived from “breaking the fast,” which refers to the conclusion of fasting since the previous day’s last meal. It is considered as the most important meal of the day.

Studies have shown that skipping breakfast can affect the body in many ways. Those who skip breakfast find it hard to focus and therefore, cannot function properly throughout the day. Skipping this meal also affects the metabolism and weight of a person.

Six hundred fifty eight high school students in selected first to fourth year high school students in two public schools and two private high schools in Metro Manila were observed by the FNRI.

The study revealed that majority or 98.2 percent of the students eat their breakfast every morning.

Although most students from public schools eat breakfast prepared by their mothers, FNRI discovered that some students from public schools eat breakfast at the school canteen, while some students from private schools often eat at fastfood chains during morning.

Results of the study may serve as a basis for program planners, parents and teachers in undertaking nutrition programs, like offering healthy breakfast in school canteens as a policy.

FNRI recommends a good breakfast which consists of rice or bread or cereals like oatmeal, egg or other protein-rich food, and vitamin-C rich fruits like papaya and a glass of milk.