Start your day the right way

We have all heard the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But it’s also a meal that many people skip. Eating breakfast can be a challenge, but it really is the best way to start your day.

The power of breakfast Breakfast means “break the fast.” It is a chance to refuel your body and kick-start your metabolism after several hours without food.

Breakfast gives you the energy you need to get through a busy day. Children who eat breakfast are able to concentrate and learn better at school.

Eating breakfast may help control overeating later in the day. This can help you stay at a healthy weight. Do you find yourself munching in the evenings? Try eating a healthy, balanced breakfast. It may help you curb those nighttime cravings. There are many reasons why you might be skipping breakfast.

Here are some solutions to help add breakfast to your morning routine:

Not hungry in the morning

Try having something small if you don’t feel like eating, such as an apple or a glass of milk. Once you get used to eating that, add in another food. Before long you will be looking forward to eating breakfast every morning.

Mornings are too rushed

Get part of your breakfast ready the night before (wash fruit, put cereal boxes on the table, make a smoothie). Or pack items to take with you such as fruit, nuts, yogurt, cheese or dry cereal.

Don’t enjoy breakfast foods

Think outside the cereal box! Breakfast can be any healthy foods that you enjoy. Try making a sandwich or having leftovers from last night’s supper.

Tips for a healthy breakfast

■ Choose whole grain bread, bagels, muffins and cereal more often.

■ Make sure to include a protein choice, such as eggs, nut butter, milk or yogurt. Switch it up and add cooked meat.

■ Add some fruit. Choose whole fruit instead of fruit juice.

■ Check the % Daily Value (DV) on your favourite cereals. Choose ones that have a higher %DV for fibre and are low in sugar.

■ Plan ahead! Put breakfast items on your grocery list so you always have healthy choices on hand.

Balanced breakfasts

Try these healthy balanced breakfast ideas:

■ Peanut butter and banana rolled in a whole wheat tortilla

■ Smoothie (fruit, yogurt and milk) and homemade muffin

■ Cereal or oatmeal with milk and berries

■ Yogurt parfait (yogurt, fruit and dry cereal or nuts)

■ Homemade trail mix (mixture of dry cereals, dried fruit and nuts)

■ Whole grain bagel with cheese and tomato

No time to eat at home? Stop by your local Sobeys store and pick up breakfast to go from our produce and deli departments. Look for cut fruit, yogurt parfaits, hard boiled eggs, portions of cheese and more!

Hungry for more? Like @ SobeysDietitian on Facebook and Twitter for more tasty tips and recipes or receive our schedule of events and Healthy Bits & Bites Newsletter directly to your inbox! Register at www.sobeyspharmacy/newsletter.

Nutrition events

Taste & Learn Class: Build a Better Breakfast with your Sobeys Dietitian! Wednesday, July 11, noon to 1 p.m. Sobeys Aberdeen and Friday, July 20, 1 to 2 p.m. Sobeys Westside. Please pre-register for all events by contacting Teresa, Registered Dietitian; voicemail: 902-755-3645, email: teresa.flynn@sobeys.com.