Did you jump start your morning with a healthy breakfast...

Studies show kids who eat breakfast in the morning concentrate better in the classroom and perform better on math, reading and standardized tests. They have fewer behavior problems, are less likely to be tardy, and to maintain a healthy weight.

I know breakfast can seem like a hurdle in the morning. Here are a couple of tips about how to squeeze breakfast into morning routines from www.eatright.org:

• Keep breakfast simple. Get the family going with something as quick as a bowl of whole-grain cereal with a banana or a mini meal of yogurt topped with granola, a sandwich on whole-grain bread or a slice of leftover veggie pizza.
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• Remember protein and carbohydrates.
  A high-octane carbohydrate source energizes the body and brain for a busy day with fiber and nutrients. Think whole-grain cereal (hot or cold), bread, tortillas, muffins, waffles or even leftover rice or pasta. Protein often is the missing link in most morning meals and it’s needed to go strong until lunch. Think a slice of Canadian bacon, an egg, a slice of lean deli meat or low-fat cheese, a container of low-fat yogurt, a scoop of low-fat cottage cheese, a cup of milk or a handful of nuts.
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• Start the day with an extra helping of fruits and vegetables.
  Breakfast is a perfect time to enjoy fruits and vegetables children need for optimal health. Try fresh seasonal fruit alone or in cereal, add frozen fruits to yogurt or toss chopped vegetables into an omelet.

• Pack your breakfast to go.
  If there's no time to eat at home, plan a nutritious option to eat in the car or bus. Busy teens can grab a banana, a bag of trail mix and a carton of milk. Don’t forget to see if your school offers a breakfast program.
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• Help make sure your kids have an appetite.
  Many kids aren't hungry for breakfast because they snack too much at night. Try only offering lighter snacks in the evening and you might be surprised how much hungrier they are in the morning. In addition, try having your children dress first and eat second. Kids are more likely to feel hungry once they have a chance to wake up.
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• Be a good role model.
  Children will mimic their parents' behavior, so make it a habit to sit down and eat a nutritious breakfast with your kids every morning

Resources on healthy nutrition:

Information on healthy eating and to find a dietitian for counselling near you: http://www.eatright.org/

10 ways to switch up your Kid's lunch: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-tips-10-ways-to-switch-up-your-kid%E2%80%99s-lunch/