Eating breakfast regularly helps build healthy bodies.

Did you know that a smart breakfast that includes foods from all five food groups can supply ¼ of your child’s daily nutrient requirements? No wonder it’s regarded as the most important meal of the day. To help your family get a nutritious start each morning, be sure to offer a variety of colorful fruits, veggies and delicious whole grains at the breakfast table. And don’t forget the dairy! For a winning combination, try incorporating at least three nutrient-rich foods—like yogurt, fruit and granola.

Breakfast Brain Power

Wholesome foods help create healthy minds. That’s why it’s especially important to eat breakfast each morning. Studies show that kids who eat breakfast may have an easier time focusing on learning, thinking clearly and being on their best behavior. They also had better test scores, grades and attendance records, plus fewer visits to the school nurse. It makes sense when you think about it. It’s hard to feel at your best when you’re hungry! You can help your kids work and feel their best by making your breakfast routine as simple as possible. Keep plenty of breakfast foods easily accessible and ready to eat. Bake a batch of Cheddar N Ham Muffins at the start of the week and refrigerate or freeze. They’re quick and easy to reheat. Or keep Homemade Low-fat Granola in a handy single-serving container so it can be mixed with yogurt for a fast, nutritious meal.

Fifteen Minutes that Make a Difference

Sometimes morning brings chaos. We know you’ve got lots to do. Sitting your kids at the breakfast table while you do an extra task or two can help you get things done more quickly. But consider this: eating breakfast as a family can have a beneficial impact on your children’s health and well being. By setting aside just 15 minutes for breakfast together each morning, your kids can learn the importance of making time to eat and to connect with loved ones every day. Plus there’s added benefits for you. Not only will you be proud of yourself for setting a good example for your kids—you just might have extra energy to spare. To make more time for breakfast in the morning, do your best to prepare as a family the night before. Pack school bags and pick the next day’s clothing as part of your kid’s bedtime routine. Have them help set the breakfast table, too! They can put their favorite cereal in plastic sealed containers. When they wake up the next morning, all they have to do is add the cold, delicious milk!

A Meal Plan for Busy Mornings

We all have those days when there isn’t a moment to spare. Moms especially have a tendency to feel guilty when things just don’t go as planned. Remember to be patient with yourself— it happens to the best of us! On busy mornings, preparation is the key. Make a plan to have plenty of portable string cheese and yogurt snacks on hand at all times. They’re ready to go in a snap and can be eaten anywhere. Another great way to be pro-active: pre-pack snack-size containers of your kids’ favorite cereal and keep plenty of travel-sized milk handy.

Breakfast is a cause we can all believe in. Many states offer Breakfast in the Classroom and Grab ‘n’ Go programs to help students stay on track. Be sure to check out the breakfast initiatives in your school district.