Now that North Okaloosa County is back to school, early mornings can throw everyone for a loop. But getting off to a good start each day can seriously affect success for students at school and adults at work.
The saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” isn't just lip service. When we sleep, we are in a state of rest; our body is fasting — not eating — and renewing itself. Breakfast means to “break the fast”; to begin waking up and energizing ourselves again with nutrition.
Eating breakfast wakes up our bodies and minds. Calories found in food provide energy to function, reason and think at work and at school.
Adults, this is for you, too: Breakfast can keep your mind and body at its best. Being well rested can make us think more clearly, make decisions more easily, have more energy and just stay in a better mood.
All of this could lead to less stress and better days for you and your kids.
The great thing about breakfast is it doesn’t have to be a big all-out meal. Something quick, nutritious and easy can do the job.
Just watch those favorites: Pop-tarts, fruit snacks, kids' cereal and squeezable yogurts don’t really help all that much. Most are loaded with sugar, and have little protein and whole grains. These foods provide a sugar high, but probably won’t keep a person full and energized until lunch.
Here are a few quick breakfast ideas for “on the go” mornings:
•A slice of whole wheat toast with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
•A piece of fresh fruit, and a whole grain English muffin
•A low-sugar granola bar
•Low-fat or fat-free yogurt with granola and a piece of fruit
•Egg burrito: a scrambled egg on a small, whole grain tortilla with salsa
•Homemade fruit smoothie
•Old-fashioned oatmeal with fresh fruit, and nuts.
Enjoy these nutritious on-the-go meals — just remember to pair them with a cup of low-fat milk or 100 percent fruit juice.
Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BRESLAWSKI: 7 healthy, on-the-go breakfast ideas