Think quickly – what did you have for breakfast this morning? If you said nothing, it could be the reason for the “two o’clock feeling” you’re going to experience in a little while and it’s not even noon.

Breakfast is an important part of everyone’s day! People that eat breakfast:

• Tend to eat healthier throughout the rest of the day
• Are more physically active
• Have more concentration and problem solving skills
• Maintain a healthy weight

Eating breakfast is especially important for students because their academic performance depends on it. According to the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, only 37% high school students reported eating breakfast daily (Florida Health). Students start their school day early and often do not stop until lunch time. Can you imagine trying to focus that whole time without any food on your stomach? Research shows that students who consume breakfast in the morning perform better on standardized tests, pay better attention and behave better and are less likely to be absent, late or visit the school nurse. 

It isn’t only about WHEN you eat, it’s also WHAT you eat. 

What you put in your body in the morning is a strong determining factor of how you’ll feel later. It’s wise to choose a breakfast food that will provide you with long-lasting energy to get you through the day. Carbohydrates (like whole grain breads, fruits and veggies), lead proteins (like milk, cheese, and eggs) and healthy fats (like peanut butter and avocado) will give you energy and make you feel full enough to make it to lunch!

So next time you’re in a hurry, don’t skip breakfast! Try one of these healthy breakfast ideas:

• Fruit smoothie blended with orange juice and low-fat yogurt
• Oatmeal made with milk instead of water, topped with fruit and nuts
• Scrambled eggs with cheese and red onions and peppers

‍