Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for all people and especially for students when they attend school. Throughout the night, our bodies use up the food eaten the evening before. When we wake up, our bodies need a new supply of energy. Not eating can bring on feelings of weakness and hunger, often called “mid-morning slump.” Children and adults need about 50 nutrients daily for body growth, maintenance and repair. No single food contains all of these nutrients in the required amounts. A variety of foods from the food groups of the MY PLATE should be eaten every day. A healthy breakfast should provide two servings from the Grains Group, one or more servings from the Fruits or Vegetables Group and one serving from the Dairy Group. It might also include one from the Protein Group occasionally. Quick Breakfast IdeasBreakfast does not need to be limited to traditional “breakfast” foods. Many foods can be included in a nutritious breakfast. Try some of the following with a glass of milk for a quick nutritious breakfast:• peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat toast • Grilled cheese and fruit • cheese pizza and fruit juice• Egg sandwich and fruit • Lowfat yogurt with fruit or granola • ham and cheese sandwich with fruit • Frozen waffles, pancakes or French toast with applesauce topping • Try different breads such as: bagels, lowfat muffins, English muffins, pita bread, whole wheat bread or rolls • Use a variety of fruits in season; grapes, bananas, apples, kiwi, berries, grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, melonsA good breakfast will get everyone in the family started off on the right foot.What makes a good breakfast?It should have at least one food from the Dairy Group, Grains Group, the Protein Group and the Fruit or Vegetable Group. It does no good to plan a breakfast that family members will not eat. When your family is eating breakfast, plan to improve this important meal.. Small changes work better than big changes.