Wake up to the benefits of breakfast

Article Provided by The Dairy Council of Arizona, a sponsor of Sonoran Living Live.

You've heard the age old saying, you may have even said it to your kids, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." It really is true, for both children and adults, but did you ever stop to think why? There's a wealth of research showing the benefits of breakfast.

Boost Brain Power

Research shows a positive link between eating breakfast and cognitive and academic performance. For both children and adults, eating breakfast helps improve concentration, reduce errors and increase creativity.

Close nutrient gaps

Eating breakfast helps people to get the nutrients they need. Those nutrients of concern, calcium, potassium, vitamin D and fiber, are readily available in common breakfast foods like whole grain cereal with low fat or fat free milk, or yogurt with a piece of fruit.

Maintain healthy weight

People who eat a nutrient-rich breakfast have been shown to have lower body weight, especially among children and adolescents. Eating breakfast also has been associated with weight loss and weight loss maintenance.

Eating a healthy breakfast is as easy as 1, 2, 3 - try to get servings from 3 food groups in your breakfast. This will help make sure you get the nutrients you need.

Try these simple breakfast ideas to get your day started right:

• Whole grain cereal with peaches and low fat or fat free milk (grain, milk, fruit groups)
• Toasted English muffin with peanut butter and a glass of milk (grain, meat/beans, milk groups)
• Yogurt parfait with granola and berries (milk, fruit, grain groups)
• Ham and cheese sandwich on whole grain bread and a glass of chocolate milk (grain, meat/beans, milk groups)
• Baby carrots, mozzarella cheese stick and a half of a bagel (vegetable, milk, grain groups)

You can see that breakfast doesn't have to be traditional breakfast foods. Just make sure you have variety by including foods from three different food groups and you'll be off to a good start.

For great recipes and other nutrition tips, visit www.dairycouncilofaz.org .