Nutrition experts say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and they are right. All school aged children need to eat something for breakfast everyday to help jump start their day.

Students show that children who eat breakfast perform better in school and have fewer disciplinary problems. Even eating breakfast can help children improve their concentration and memory. Also, kids who do not eat breakfast tend to overeat throughout the course of the day. Parents should try to eat breakfast so they set an example for children. More often kids who see their parents eating breakfast will most likely eat it as well.

Breakfast helps jumpstart your metabolism in the morning and helps you get the nutrients you need. Children who eat breakfast at school get ¼ of the nutrients needed daily. If time is a big factor, there are lots of healthy options that either don’t take too much time to prepare or are portable. The following are some ideas for breakfast:

• Eggs

• Toast, plain or toast with either peanut butter, cheese or cream cheese

• Bagels or English muffins

• Granola bars or fruit filled breakfast bars

• Fruit smoothies

• Yogurt with fruit

• Grits, oatmeal or cream of wheat

• Cold cereal and milk

• Tortilla with eggs, cheese and salsa or make your own breakfast burrito

• A sandwich made with meat and cheese or peanut butter

Just remember to be sure your little ones eat something before hitting the books once the school bell rings in August.

Information from LSU AgCenter and www.kidshealth.org.

For more information contact Mandy G. Armentor, MS, RD, LDN, Assoc. Extension Agent (FCS-Nutrition), in the Vermilion Parish LSU AgCenter Office at 1105 W. Port St. in Abbeville or call 898-4335.