Start Your Day With a Bang!

There's nothing I like better than sitting down to a good, nourishing meal first thing in the morning. And what they say about breakfast is true — it really is the most important meal of the day! Breakfast is your time to refuel after a long night of not eating; it packs the nutrients and energy you need to take on the day! I know if I miss breakfast for some reason, I'll feel tired and sluggish the rest of the day. Studies show that kids who eat breakfast actually do better in school — so think of how eating breakfast would help you function better throughout your day too!

Some people think that skipping breakfast will help them lose weight, but the opposite is true! People who skip breakfast are more likely to gain weight, according to research. When you start the day with a solid breakfast, you'll be less hungry when lunchtime rolls around, so you'll eat fewer calories — which helps keep your weight under control. Breakfast is also an ideal time to get certain nutrients that may be harder to include later in the day, like all that calcium in your glass of milk. Plus, these days, kids are skipping breakfast more and more; if you eat breakfast regularly, you'll set a great example for your children and grandchildren.

Well, what is a good breakfast? Focus on fiber — choose whole grains like whole-wheat bread, whole-grain waffles, or a high-fiber cereal. Better breakfasts also include some type of protein, like eggs, low-fat cheese, yogurt, or milk (yes, a cup of milk has 8 grams of protein). The protein will help you feel full longer. And finally, breakfast is a great time of day to eat a deliciously sweet piece of fruit. Toss some strawberries over your cereal, cut a banana into your yogurt, or just enjoy a fresh apple, orange, or peach… Yum!

Your challenge is to have a smart, healthy breakfast every single morning for the next seven days. It won't take long before you notice a difference in how you feel throughout the day — and before long, even in how your clothing fits! So enjoy your breakfast — I can tell it's going to be a great week!