Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas

We’ve heard it a million times: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day if you want to promote well-being and maintain a healthy weight.

Studies show that students who eat breakfast:

• Concentrate better
  
• Solve problems more easily
  
• Display better muscle coordination
  
• Have increased strength and endurance
• Have higher attendance rates and lower rates of tardiness
  
• Have fewer behavioral problems

All of which makes sense: kids who are hungry have a harder time paying attention and learning. Kids who eat breakfast also are less likely to be overweight and more likely to have an overall healthier diet; a fact that holds true for adults too!

But while most people recognize the importance of breakfast, many continue to skip this vital meal or choose something that is not particularly healthy. And while it’s important to eat in the morning, it’s also important to make smart food choices.

Basics of a healthy breakfast
Aim for a breakfast that balances protein, fat, and healthy carbohydrates, such as whole-grain breads, whole grain cereals, fruit, and low fat dairy (which can also serve as a source of protein).

Beat-the-clock breakfasts
In the rush to get everybody out the door on time, a healthy breakfast often gets put on the back burner. It doesn’t have to, though. In fact, you don’t even need to turn on the burner for these healthy, quick-and-easy breakfast ideas:

• Whole grain cereal with sliced banana and berries served with fat free milk
• Yogurt parfait: Mix ShopRite fat free plain or light yogurt mixed with whole grain cereal and chopped fruit
• Peanut butter and sliced apples on whole-wheat toast with low-fat milk
• Toasted whole-wheat waffle topped with fruit and yogurt
• Sliced turkey breast and low fat cheese on a toasted whole grain English muffin
• Breakfast wrap: Spread peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla and top with chopped peanuts, raisins and a sliced banana. Serve with low-fat chocolate milk.

For more tips, information and healthy recipes, visit the health and wellness section of ShopRite.com.