A Great Start

It’s been called the most important meal of the day for a very good reason: it is!

Our bodies have been working hard to repair for almost 12 hours and need some refueling before we begin the next day. And while there’s research linking healthy breakfasts with decreased chronic disease, increased longevity and better overall health, the most important reason for parents is that breakfast can set a child up for a successful day at school.

The right start to the day gives them energy, helps them focus and allows them to better manage their emotions throughout the day.
Great quick and easy ways that we like to start the day include:

  • Whole grain cereal with fruit
  • Whole grain waffle or toast topped with nut butter and fruit
  • Oatmeal with cinnamon, chopped nuts and dried fruit like raisins
  • Power Smoothie of yogurt, fruit and nut butter
  • Yogurt topped with granola and fruit

Here’s another quick tip: No time for a big home-cooked meal during the week? Easier alternatives include hard-boiled eggs, frozen veggie sausages along with fruit. If you’re making waffles or pancakes over the weekend, make extras that you can freeze and have “fresh” waffles on a busy weekday morning. Just pop them in the toaster.

The most important thing is that we start the day with a healthy breakfast full of protein to energize and prepare ourselves for the day. It’s a great time to get some fruit and fiber in too!

Key: plan ahead and keep it easy on yourself.