National Hot breakfast month!

It has long been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. To help celebrate the importance of breakfast, February is National Hot Breakfast Month.

With today’s fast-paced society, many people claim they simply do not have time for breakfast, let alone a hot breakfast. However, skipping the first meal of the day is one of the biggest nutritional challenges, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist.

“Breakfast literally means breaking the fast from the last meal the day before. Your body is fasting while you sleep and the first meal of the day breaks that fast,” Hermann said. “Breakfast is the first chance your body has to refuel its blood glucose levels. Glucose is the main energy source of the body and helps fuel the muscles needed for physical activity throughout the day.”

Research shows that eating a nutritious breakfast can increase the attention span of children, which can lead to a better performance academically. In addition, eating breakfast can help people with weight loss and management. Hermann said individuals who eat a healthy breakfast are less likely to overeat later in the day.

Breakfast should supply about 25 percent of your daily nutritional needs. Include foods that are high in complex carbohydrates and fiber and low in saturated fat.

Hermann said many people say they simply do not have time for a healthy breakfast. Keep in mind, however, that a “hot” breakfast does not necessarily mean a time-consuming breakfast.

“Whole grain toaster waffles topped with sliced fruit is a great start to the day. Hot cereal topped with cinnamon or other spices, or topped with fresh berries also is a good option,” she said. “Whole wheat toast topped with a scrambled or chopped hard cooked egg will give you plenty of protein to start the day. Cold breakfasts consisting of a high fiber cereal, fruit and milk or a breakfast smoothie are good choices, too.”