Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The body is breaking the fast it has endured during the night. During the night while sleeping, a child's metabolism slows. A breakfast high in protein in needed to get the metabolism going for the day. Unfortunately, those days of big family breakfasts with eggs, bacon, biscuits, homemade jams and jellies, milk fresh from the cow or newly squeezed orange juice are no longer the normal on our more modern, typically frantic mornings. Instead, we find ourselves racing around the house getting everyone ready for work and school. If breakfast is eaten at all, it is often a bowl of sugary cereal, Poptarts or other empty calorie food that is an easy grab and go meal.

Follow up:

Here are some healthy alternative that are quick and easy giving your child (and you) a boost to the day. Encourage your children to choose a selection from the lists being sure to combine protein sources along with carbohydrates and fiber.

Boiled Eggs will keep in the refrigerator for several days. These are easy to eat on the run and are full of protein.

Fruit - apples, bananas, oranges, pears are all easy to grab and eat on the go. Grapes and berries can be easily bagged the night before for easy eating the next morning. Fruit is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber and antioxidants.

Peanut Butter on whole grain toast, peanut butter on apple slices, peanut butter and honey (or a no sugar added jelly) are all good options that are easy to make or can be made the previous night. Be sure to purchase whole grain breads. Using low fat peanut butter will make this a healthier choice.

Made as a sandwich on whole wheat bread or a baggie of cubes, Cheese is another protein source that is easy to eat on the go.

The Magic Bullet is an easy blender for kids to learn to use. The night before, you (or the children) can assemble the ingredients for a smoothie and place in the refrigerator for easy access. The next morning, in less than a minute, a healthy smoothie is ready to go. Here are some great smoothie suggestions, but there is no doubt that finding the ingredients that you and your kids like the most is a fun aspect of the smoothie experience so don't be afraid to experiment. Whey protein can be add to the smoothie ingredients as an added protein boost.
Just combine, blend and enjoy............
1. ½ cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal, 1 cup fat free milk, 1 cup frozen blueberries
2. 1 cup fat free milk, ½ cup plain yogurt, 1 cup frozen blueberries (or strawberries, raspberries, fruit of choice,) 1 tsp flaxseed oil, 2 scoops whey protein powder, 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
3. 1 cup orange juice, 3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder or 2 scoops whey protein powder, ½ banana, 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen) several ice cubes
4. 1 cup orange juice, 1 orange, 2 bananas, ¼ cup of granola, 2 tablespoons honey,

Homemade breakfast bars are another good option for an easy, healthy breakfast choice. If you have time to do some baking during the weekend, you can make these ahead of time, store in a plastic bag (or wrap individually) and have a healthy option to store-bought breakfast bars.
Fruit and Oat Granola Bar http://tinyurl.com/5zttcr
Gluten-Free Granola Bar http://tinyurl.com/57lydg

Nuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber and vitamin E. Walnuts are the only nuts that contain a significant amount of omega-3s, and are known for their high antioxidant activity. Almonds are a good source of protein (6 grams per ounce,) dietary fiber, calcium, Vitamin E and much more Mixing up some home made trail mix with nuts and dried fruit can be a healthy breakfast snack.

Homemade Pancakes can be precooked and frozen for an easy, warm breakfast.
Breakfast burritos (http://tinyurl.com/33qggft ) and breakfast wraps are additional ideas for grab and go eating.

Spend this month helping your children appreciate the importance of a healthy breakfast as a way to get their bodies ready for a day of learning as well as to instill lifelong healthy eating habits.