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Morning Fuel For School—“Break The Fast”

Posted 9/21/2011

Yogurt parfaits can be a great way to enjoy a good breakfast.

(NAPSI)—There are many good reasons breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day. Most significantly, breakfast gives you energy. When you wake up in the morning, your body has been fasting, or going without food, during the hours you were asleep. Eating breakfast means you “break the fast” and give your body (and brain) the energy needed to function—very important for school-aged children.

Studies have shown that children’s learning is stimulated and they perform better academically when they are “fueled for school.” Eating breakfast also helps to develop better eating patterns—you and your family will feel more satisfied and be less likely to overeat or eat too much junk food later in the day. Breakfast provides a great opportunity to get all the daily vitamins and minerals needed by eating nutritious foods such as whole grains, fruits and dairy products.

So how can you conveniently make sure your morning routine is healthful? The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association recommends stocking your freezer and refrigerator with convenient, tasty, healthful options from the cool aisles of your local grocery store. There are many quick, tasty, nutritious options that will please both parents and kids.

You can have these delicious breakfasts ready in minutes:

• Fill toasted whole grain waffles with peanut butter and jam for a unique breakfast sandwich; serve with orange juice.

• Mix yogurt, frozen strawberries, skim milk and bananas in a blender for a tasty smoothie.

• Heat frozen pancakes and top with fruits and with syrup or honey.

• Make breakfast sandwiches with bagels, cheese, egg substitute and precooked sausage.

For a special morning treat, create this delicious yogurt parfait to make everyone in your family smile.

Breakfast Yogurt Parfait

1 ½ cups vanilla low-fat yogurt

½ cup low-fat granola

1 cup berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries), frozen or fresh

Layer in parfait glasses or bowls: granola, yogurt and fruit. Repeat layers. Serves two.

For more tasty recipes and information on frozen and refrigerated foods, visit www.EasyHomeMeals.com, and on Facebook, “like” www.facebook.com/EasyHomeMeals.