Breakfast has long been called the most important meal of the day.  But how often can the average person actually say that they took advantages of the benefits of a good, healthy breakfast.

In many cases, many people grab a cup of coffee and a doughnut and call it a meal.  However, many experts claim that a breakfast high in sugar, sodium, or calories is only slightly better than skipping it all together.

A well-balanced breakfast is even more important for children and teens, whose bodies are still growing and developing.  Unfortunately, in some cases teens either are too rushed in the morning for a balanced breakfast or simply do not have access to healthy breakfast options.

Gail McFarlin, Director of Nutrition Services for the Perry School District, says “The Universal Breakfast Program is offered at all Perry schools.  A breakfast meal consists of a fruit, a bread item, a juice, a milk–to be counted as a regular meal.”  She goes onto explain that the breakfast program is free to Perry students, only if they get two of the items, further encouraging healthier eating habits.

People may also think that skipping out of breakfast is a fast way to lose weight.  However, many nutritionists agree that this is the opposite of what happens.  Our bodies need fuel to function and not giving them a healthy breakfast makes it easier to over-indulge at the next meal.

And though September is officially “Better Breakfast Month” it is suggested to always have a healthy breakfast at the start of your day.