Taste & Techniques

Breakfast. It literally means, "breaking the fast." For some people, particularly children, it can be up to 12 hours before it's time for this morning delight. The longer the overnight fast the more important it is to "break" it with a nutritious morning meal. Yet many people skip breakfast, with trends showing that breakfast consumption is declining among children, adolescents and adults.*

After a long night without food, energy reserves are low and need to be replenished with a healthy breakfast. Without this morning refuel we grow sluggish, have poorer moods and are hungrier throughout the day.

In these days of constant rush and multi-tasking, it is understandable that many people feel they don't have time for breakfast; however, making time has become an easier task. Breakfast no longer has to mean a full spread of eggs, bacon, pancakes, coffee and toast. The newest in breakfast trends is "grab-n-go." "Grab-n-go" is just as it sounds: a quick meal you grab to take with you on the way out to be eaten in the car, bus, train or walk to work.

Many breakfast vendors, from Kellogg's to Kashi, are jumping on the bandwagon, providing quick and easy breakfast options including: cereal bars, shakes and microwave sandwiches. Here are some quick, healthy "grab-n-go" breakfast ideas for you to try out at home:

--Spread 2 tbsp. of hummus on half a pumpernickel bagel
--Spread 1 tbsp. peanut butter on whole-wheat bread and wrap it around a banana
--Keep hard boiled eggs on hand for busy mornings
--Spread peanut butter on a whole-grain English muffin
--Add a teaspoon of nuts to low-fat or soy yogurt
--Blend together ½ cup of plain yogurt with a tbsp. honey and ½ cup of berries
--Melt a slice of low-fat cheese over a slice of tomato on an English muffin

You might also try one of the many pre-packaged "grab-n-go" products on the market; just make sure your choice contains a balance of protein, fiber and carbohydrates to sustain you throughout the morning!

So when you rise and shine tomorrow morning, remember that a healthy breakfast can be quick, and is the best way to start your day. Research shows that regular consumption of breakfast** in a diet consistent with the Dietary Guidelines is associated with many possible health benefits, including: heart health, weight control, nutrient intake, cognition and energy! You will notice that taking a minute to eat breakfast will make a positive difference, and you'll never want to skip it again!

*According to the Breakfast Research Institute: http://www.breakfastresearchinstitute.org
**Low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high in fiber



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