Consuming vegetables is important for the health and development of children. Several economically-developed countries have implemented public health strategies that promote the consumption of vegetables in early childhood. This is required since the insufficient consumption of vegetables can negatively impact well-being, health, and development.
Several studies have developed practical guidelines for highlighting the importance of children's exposure to vegetables at an early age. Still, breakfast in various countries worldwide, especially Westernized countries, is known to comprise high glycemic index foods. Although the consumption of vegetables by children is associated with evening meals, midday meals and snacks, there is no reason why it should not be offered during breakfast. Few countries worldwide, such as Japan, China, Finland, and Romania, are found to have similar breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods that include vegetables.
Consuming vegetables at breakfast can be a useful public health intervention for several reasons. It can increase the daily vegetable intake of the children. It does not allow the development of a negative association between breakfast time and vegetable intake. Primary caregivers and people who belong to a child’s social network have been observed to play essential roles in setting norms surrounding vegetable consumption.
