UNITED STATES—We have all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I would 100 percent agree with that claim. Why? It’s like the kick-off meal of the day. I am an individual who can’t function without a bit of breakfast in my body. I know for so many people this is a meal that they skip all the time. The primary reason, we just don’t have the time. Well that response is not good enough. I mean yes, school, work and so many other things cause utter chaos for so many of us, but that still should NOT stop us from eating breakfast.

If that is the case, try to get up slightly earlier to ensure you have some sort of meal. For so many of us, we do breakfast on the go, which is not great because most of the time its fast-food or something that is causing more harm to the body than actual good. You do need energy and carbs to keep the day moving. I love a savory breakfast, where I know so many people who tend to go for something sweet. I could care less if you choose between sweet and savory, but I would argue don’t overdo the sweets so early in the morning because they could cause you to crash or eager to want more than what you need in terms of your daily caloric intake.

Pancakes, waffles, cereal, eggs, grits, bacon, sausage, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, donuts, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, is there anything on the menu that I have missed? I don’t think, so look at that brief menu of items above and tell me you haven’t consumed one or combination of these items at some point in your life. There are ways to group things together to get a breakfast that delivers you some healthy options that will not only deliver nutrients, but give you enough ammunition to where you can continue your day and not run on empty.

I recall rushing to work all the time, so much to the point that I would be consuming those processed donuts or breakfast bars that weren’t the healthiest option for my body. As a result, I found myself hungrier as the day progressed, so much to the point where I would pig out during lunch or dinner. The notion of overeating is never a good idea America. If you eat decent portion-sized meals and snacks during the day, you will not run into those situations where you feel overwhelmed or desperate to want to eat more because you’ve starved yourself for most of the day.

Another reason breakfast is such an important meal to consume is the fact that if you’re planning to exercise you need some sort of energy to burn those calories. If you haven’t eaten anything you’re placing yourself in a situation where, you could pass out, faint or something worse. Do not put yourself in harm’s way by doing idiotic things. Use your brain and think before you act. I hear the excuse time and time again, oh; I’ll get something at work or at school. Stop it; this is especially true for kids and teens. Never let kids go to school on an empty stomach; it makes it difficult for them to concentrate and focus.

I will admit during the week when I do consume breakfast it’s not anything excessive, the only time that I am okay cooking a full-length breakfast (as I like to call it) is during the weekend, particularly Saturday, which is my only day off during the week. However, I like to advise those who suspect they don’t have the time for breakfast, if you can take 10 minutes out of your day that is more than enough time to prepare your first meal for the day and the most important news of the day. Remember, breakfast is the start of the day, so if you skip it you’re already off to a bad start.

Written By Kelsey Thomas