Ah, September. The month when kids head back to school, and we all get back into our post-summer routines. What better time of the year to celebrate “Better Breakfast Month?”

Better Breakfast Month started during World War I when the U.S. government created a campaign encouraging citizens to eat better breakfast. It became official in 1951 when the Cereal Institute decided to promote it in September as kids were going back to school.

We think the Cereal Institute was on to something. When you eat breakfast, you feel better and have more energy to get through the day.

If you’ve gotten out of the habit of eating a balanced breakfast, now is the perfect time to get back on track.

Why Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day

You’ve probably heard it before, but we’re repeating it; breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

When you eat breakfast, you, quite literally, break your fast from the night before. It has probably been 10 or more hours since you last ate. Your body is counting on you to replenish its energy stores with nutrients and protein that will give it energy for the rest of the day.

Here are some quick facts about breakfast.

• People who eat breakfast as their largest meal of the day have a lower BMI than those who get the bulk of their calories from lunch or dinner.
• It’s not when but what you eat that matters. So, whether breakfast is at 6:00 AM or noon, make sure it’s full of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Otherwise, you could end up gaining unhealthy weight by overeating.
• Eating a healthy breakfast can decrease your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
• Kids who eat breakfast are more likely to stay focused and have better academic outcomes than those who skip it.
• Eating breakfast can improve pregnancy nausea. Stick to bland foods. Pretzels, crackers, and toast can be good options. Some women find cold treats, like juiced popsicles, make them feel better.

What’s in a Better Breakfast?

Sadly, not all breakfasts are created equal. Scarfing down a sugary donut isn’t going to do you any good. Instead, you need to fill your breakfast plate up with nourishing foods that provide natural energy to your brain and body.

So, what’s in a better breakfast? Let’s break it down.

Protein

One study found that eating a protein-rich breakfast can help your body regulate glucose and insulin better than eating carbohydrate or fat-rich breakfasts. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which keeps you full and encourages muscle health.

Fruit

Pairing fruit with protein-rich food can ensure your body gets essential nutrients to stay strong and focused during the day.

Fiber

Fiber will help your digestive system work like it should while also keeping you feeling full. Get heart-healthy fiber from gluten-free foods like nut butter, gluten-free whole grains, fruit, or leafy greens.

Build a Better Breakfast with NutriTots

We know it’s not always easy to eat a balanced breakfast, and we want to help you make the most out of every morning. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ideas for eating healthy breakfasts, even on busy mornings. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, try this sun butter banana smoothie to get lots of fiber, fruit, and protein!

Our vanilla ice cream protein powder is the perfect addition to any breakfast. Pre-order yours today!