Aim to Improve Your Morning Breakfast!

September marks the beginning of a new school year and a change in weather as everyone seems to be gradually getting back into their busy routines of life. What better time to add a healthy breakfast to your schedule? This past Friday was Better Breakfast Day! I’m sure when you were younger your mother told you to eat breakfast because it is the most important meal of the day.  Well, your mother was right!

Breakfast not only jump-starts your metabolism, it will keep you more satisfied throughout the day.  This will result in less cravings and increased satiety which will lead you make better food choices throughout the day.  After a few days of eating a healthy breakfast each morning, you will really seem to notice a difference.

Get your children and loved ones involved in eating a healthy breakfast! Did you know that kids that who eat breakfast each day have better problem solving skills and actually perform better in the classroom? They are also less likely to be overweight or obese. So be a role model and demonstrate eating a healthy breakfast by joining them.  This is a habit that they will take throughout their lives if they develop it now.

I know what you may be thinking.  You’re probably thinking that your children are barely running out the door on time, you are constantly rushing in the morning, and there is just no time to sit down and have breakfast.  This is perfectly normal and okay! With a little planning and effort, there are so many healthy breakfast-on-the-go foods to pack.  Save the egg and vegetable omelets and homemade whole grain waffles for the weekends when you and your family have time.

One of my favorite on-the-go breakfast ideas is Greek yogurt, blueberries, whole grain cereal and nuts.  At night, put raw almonds, blueberries, and cheerios in a zip lock bag so in the morning all you have to do is grab a yogurt and the bag. Sounds simple right? Another breakfast idea is peanut butter on whole grain toast with sliced bananas.  It’s simple, tasty, and a personal favorite for most children.  Hard boiled eggs are a great grab and go choice too. Boil a batch and peel in the evening so you have them ready in the morning.

A lot of families seem to have breakfast bars for a grab-and-go breakfast.  Make sure your breakfast bars are low in sugar and high in fiber.  Breakfast bars usually contain a lot of hidden sugars. Cereal is a great choice in the morning for busy families.  Be sure to choose whole grain cereals, low fat milk and add some fruit!  Substitute instant oatmeal (with no sugar added) as the weather changes. The more food groups you add to your meals, the more balanced and nutritious!

So stop skipping breakfast! Toss the pop tarts and toaster strudels and replace them for a more balanced, wholesome and unprocessed breakfast!  The benefits you gain from eating health consciously and not skipping meals will be so evident.  Celebrate Healthy Breakfast Day today and establish healthy habits to last you and your loved ones a lifetime!

Your turn to Take Action: What are your healthy breakfast ideas?

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