Simple Nutrition
by Keegan Sheridan, ND Many people start the day at the coffee shop, rattling off their favorite combination (triple skinny mocha java latte, extra hot and easy on the foam, anyone?) and debating what breakfast “dessert” to have with their morning caffeine as they rush to work. Others skip breakfast entirely or make another poor choice to start their day.

Breakfast can—and should—be enjoyable! It’s easy to find nutritious and quick solutions for breakfast no matter what your taste, time frame, or cooking skills. A wide variety of breakfast foods take little to no preparation. A cup of all-natural oatmeal with low-fat or fat-free milk and berries, for example, takes only a few minutes to make and is packed with good-for-you ingredients—whole grains, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Best of all, this simple meal can help save calories for the day because, as studies show, people who skip breakfast have a tendency to eat a larger lunch and consume more calories throughout the day.

If your kids resist breakfast, try serving them all-natural granola with low-fat yogurt; they’ll love the natural sweetness of this tasty meal. Plus they’ll notice that a breakfast like this can support better focus and concentration for their morning activities. Even if they argue they’re not hungry, skipping breakfast means missing out on nutrients needed for a balanced diet that may not be obtained later in the day.

If you’re surrounded by breakfast skippers, try sharing your favorite foods to show them how enjoyable and simple the morning meal can be. Make this time a routine with your family. By setting a healthy example for your kids, they’ll make breakfast a natural habit for years to come.

Keegan Sheridan, ND, is a natural food and lifestyle expert for Bear Naked Inc., the natural foods innovator based in La Jolla, California. Bear Naked makes all-natural granolas and trail mixes that you can feel good about eating.