Did you know it’s currently Farmhouse Breakfast Week?

Did you know it’s currently Farmhouse Breakfast Week?

Imagine your ideal breakfast… are you propped up in bed munching on a bowl of cornflakes? Sat at the kitchen table tucking into a full English? Or curled up in front of the fire toasting crumpets ready to wash down with a warm mug of tea?

What is this?

Farmhouse Breakfast Week has been running since 2000. It’s an annual campaign organised by HGCA. The aim of the campaign is “to raise awareness of the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast and demonstrate the variety of breakfast foods available in the UK.”

When?

Farmhouse Breakfast Week is taking place this week (22 – 28 January) and lots of individuals and businesses have been taking part and helping to promote a healthy, diverse, great British breakfast.

This year’s theme is ‘Shake Up Your wake up’. People are being encouraged to make small changes to their morning routine - to make time for a wholesome breakfast.

Why eat breakfast?

It’s often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and it’s hardly surprising that you’ve developed a big appetite after not eating for 10 - 12 hours.

A hearty breakfast sets you up for the day ahead and reduces the urge to graze before lunch. Breakfast helps to both physically and mentally prepare you, so you are able to concentrate for longer and achieve more. Research also shows that eating breakfast can reduce levels of stress.

100 hungry guests raise money for charity:

There are breakfast related events happening across the country - from breakfast clubs at schools and playgroups, to farm shop cafés offering 2 for 1 meals.

On 22 January Anna Lupton, of Carr House Farm, held a charity Farmhouse Breakfast for around 100 guests - in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. £7, 200, enough to keep 2 helicopters in the air for a day, was raised through ticket sales, an auction of promises and donations. Local businesses supported the event by donating food and drink for the breakfast and raffle prizes.

Suggestions for a healthy, nutritious and tasty breakfast:

• Water, Tea and other low sugar drinks – it’s time to rehydrate
• Fruit or fruit juice – you will be on your way to your 5 a-day
• Milk and dairy products (e.g. yogurts) – provide protein and calcium
• Bread, porridge and cereals – give you carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals
• Eggs, low fat bacon, beans - are high in protein and prepare your muscles for the day ahead.

Children in particular:

Check that juices and processed foods don’t contain high levels of sugar and salt. Calcium in milk or dairy products aids healthy development, including bone growth and strong teeth.

By Paul Thornton