Lazy Sundays are a cherished tradition in our home. With most shops closed or only opening later in the day, we take full advantage of the time. Mark is often found in the kitchen whipping up a lavish breakfast while I lounge on the couch, cradling Leo and mapping out our afternoon nature adventure. Meanwhile, our little one, Max, entertains himself in his room with his Lego blocks.
Today, the bright autumn sun and crisp air have lifted our spirits. Mark is making wentelteefjes, the Dutch spin on French toast, paired with goat cheese, strawberries, mango, and blueberries. I’m browsing local trails to spot those whimsical red fly agaric mushrooms. Before moving to the Netherlands, I thought these mushrooms were purely the stuff of video games and fairy tales, but here, they flourish, known for their vibrant appearance and toxic properties. Our goal is simply to appreciate their beauty from afar.
“Hey love, check this out!” Mark calls from the dining area.
I glance over to see Max, grinning from ear to ear in his high chair, indulging in breakfast. In front of him sits a slice of bread lavishly topped with unsalted butter and hagelslag — chocolate sprinkles.
“No wonder Dutch kids are the happiest in the world,” I think. “Who wouldn’t smile at the thought of chocolate for breakfast?”
I can already picture the disapproving gasps from the perfect parents online. Chocolate for breakfast? Surely a sugar rush isn’t the best way to start the day! And oh, what a mess! Butter smudges cover Max’s high chair, face, and hands, with sprinkles scattered all over the floor.
Mark and I exchange amused glances. Should we scold him? Instead, laughter erupts, marking another “parenting fail” in the eyes of internet critics. Oblivious to the chaos, Max devours his hagelslag sandwich while Mark snaps a photo of his joyous expression.
The Breakfast of Champions
So, is there truly something unique about starting the day with hagelslag? Could this be the secret to the happiness of Dutch children? Watching American kids react to traditional breakfasts from around the globe in a BuzzFeed video, it was clear the Dutch breakfast captured their hearts. What child wouldn’t look forward to breakfast if it includes chocolate? However, kids in other countries also indulge in sugary options, often through cereals—Coco Pops come to mind. The difference lies in the fact that Dutch families prioritize breakfast together.
According to a 2013 UNICEF report, which declared Dutch children the happiest globally, 85% of kids aged 11, 13, and 15 surveyed had breakfast daily. The routine of gathering around the table as a family before school and work is a cornerstone of Dutch life. In contrast, many American and British families often skip breakfast altogether in their morning rush.
The Dutch seem to grasp the significance of regular meals, particularly the first meal of the day. Research indicates that having breakfast can reduce the likelihood of unhealthy snacking, lower obesity risks, and enhance concentration in school. The Dutch champion breakfast time, and it appears to contribute to their overall happiness and health.
A Balanced Diet?
I was taken aback that chocolate sprinkles are so central to breakfast in the Netherlands. Don’t they realize the value of a balanced diet low in fat and sugar? The Dutch have indeed developed a reputation for simple, hearty cuisine. Their approach to food is primarily practical: meals should be quick to prepare, affordable, and nutritious. The only difference between a typical Dutch lunch and breakfast is the time of day. Dinner, the one hot meal of the day, usually consists of a protein, vegetable, and carbohydrate. Not exactly gourmet.
However, recent studies suggest this straightforward approach may be effective. A 2014 Oxfam report named the Netherlands as having “the best food in the world,” considering factors like food availability, affordability, quality, and obesity rates. The UK ranked 10th, while the US fell to 21st place, hindered by high obesity and diabetes rates despite quality and affordability.
The UNICEF report supports Oxfam’s findings, revealing that Dutch children have the lowest obesity rates among 29 industrialized nations surveyed. Only 8.36% of Dutch kids aged 11-15 were classified as obese. Alarmingly, in all but three countries—Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland—childhood obesity rates exceed 10%. The data indicates that the best place for food isn’t France or Japan, but rather right here in the Netherlands. Despite the butter and hagelslag, the Dutch maintain a healthy, balanced diet that is accessible to most.
This morning, as we watch our little one joyfully consume his Dutch breakfast, swaying blissfully, I finally comprehend the significance of hagelslag. Pausing to observe him, I silence the anxious thoughts in my mind and realize that beyond the sweet taste of chocolate, my son’s pride in choosing and preparing his own breakfast fosters his self-confidence. It really comes down to the hagelslag.
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Summary
Dutch children are among the happiest in the world, largely due to the family-oriented breakfast culture that emphasizes regular meals together. While hagelslag, or chocolate sprinkles, may play a role in their happiness, it’s the overall approach to meals and family bonding that truly makes a difference. This simple yet effective lifestyle choice contributes to their well-being and self-confidence.