Healthy Breakfast

Please encourage your children to eat breakfast every day. So many are in a hurry to get to school but have forgotten the most important thing to do is to refuel the body. Select healthy options that fit your taste and lifestyle, and put breakfast back into your morning.

Breakfast not only starts your day off right, but also lays the foundation for lifelong health benefits. Those who eat breakfast are more likely to:

*Have better concentration and productivity throughout the morning.

*Control their weight

*Have lower cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease

Children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills, and eye-hand coordination, are more alert, creative and less likely to miss days of school, according to the American Dietetic Association.

A healthy breakfast should consist of a variety of foods, for example, whole grains, low-fat protein or dairy sources, and fruit. This provides complex carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fat---a combination that delays hunger symptoms for hours.

Whether you opt for traditional foods, such as yogurt, whole-grain muffins or ready-to-eat cereal, or less typical foods, such as leftover vegetable pizza or a fruit smoothie, you can get the nutrients and energy to start your day.

If your excuse for missing breakfast is lack of time, figure out what you'll eat the night before and get up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy it, or pack something to take with you.

Think you're saving calories by skipping breakfast? Chances are you'll be ravenous by lunchtime, which may lead you to eat more. Your morning meal doesn't have to mean loading up on sugar, fat, and cholesterol. Making nutritious breakfast choices can set you up for healthier eating all day long.

Think about it! Aren't you worth it?