Squeeze in Breakfast

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Do you make excuses to skip breakfast? There are some easy ways to squeeze in breakfast each day.

Nutritionist Elizabeth Ward addresses some common excuses and offers some simple solutions:

1. Excuse: “I don’t have enough time.”

Solution: No matter your lifestyle, mornings are often the most hectic time of the day. But there are easy ways you can squeeze in a nutritious meal every morning.

· Shop for healthy breakfast foods like whole grain breads and cereals, low-fat yogurt and orange juice. Having these items on hand makes a morning meal easier to assemble.

· In a rush? Bring breakfast in the car and grab a bottle or fill up your favorite insulated to-go cup with 100 percent orange juice for a natural source of vitamins and minerals. Just one serving is more nutrient dense than many commonly consumed fruit juice.

· Save time by preparing the evening before. Don’t just pack lunch, pack breakfast as well.

2. Excuse: “I don’t like to eat first thing when I wake up.”

Solution: If you like to hit the snooze a few times every morning, breakfast may be the last thing on your mind Remember you do not have to eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up. A healthy meal fuels the mind and body so just squeeze in a snack before lunchtime. Stock your kitchen or office with healthy, convenient foods and 100 percent orange juice.

3. Excuse: “I can’t spare the calories.”

Solution: Eating more may actually help you weigh less. A study from the University of Nottingham found that women consumed about 100 fewer daily calories when they ate breakfast. To make breakfast beneficial, choose healthy options that help you increase your servings of vegetables and fruits. For example, just a glass of 100 percent orange juice provides almost 25 percent of the daily USDA recommended serving of fruits and vegetables adn is more nutrient dense than many common fruit juices.

4. Excuse: “I don’t like traditional breakfast foods.”

Solution: Pancakes, eggs and bacon not tempting your taste buds or your hectic schedule? Non-traditional breakfasts and even last night’s leftovers like chicken pack the nutrients you need to get your day started right. Or grab a dinner roll from last night and spread it with peanut butter. Getting fuel in the morning is important as research shows eating breakfast every day contributes to increased attention and performance at work and school.