If you're looking for ways to reduce the fat and sugar in your child's diet, you may need to look no further than your youngster's school. A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that a preschool breakfast program was effective in reducing children's overall fat intake.

Researchers evaluated a preschool nutrition program called the Healthy Start Program, which attempted to reduce the saturated fat content of preschool meals and the overall amount of saturated fat the children consumed. Over a 2-year period, six schools used the nutrition program, and the results were compared to three schools that didn't use the nutrition program. The types and amounts of food the children ate at school was recorded and parents provided information about the foods the children consumed at home.

The consumption of saturated fat decreased significantly at the preschools that used the nutrition program, whereas the children at the control schools increased the percentage of saturated fat they consumed. In addition, the children in the Healthy Start program had decreased overall fat intake when compared to the control group.

Looking for fast, easy, low-fat breakfast ideas for your child? Try oatmeal, unsweetened breakfast cereal made from whole grains and skim milk, muffins made with applesauce instead of oil, and omelettes made with vegetables and egg substitutes or egg whites.

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Sources:  Williams CL, Bollella MC, Strobino BA, Spark A, Nicklas TA, Tolosi LB, and Pittman BP. "Healthy-Start": Outcome of an Intervention to Promote a Heart Healthy Diet in Preschool Children. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Volume 21, Number 1, February 2002.