Breakfast for success

Why eat breakfast?
I'm not always in the mood for food when I wake up. And I know I'm not alone--plenty of us need to wake up with a cup of joe first, or even until lunch time don't have an appetite. No matter what your excuse is, throw it out the window! You NEED to get some kind of fiber and calories in you within at least two hrs of waking--especially if you plan to exercise, be active, and well...use your brain throughout the day.
Here are some substantial reasons:


--"Eating breakfast of any kind prevent(s) many of the adverse effects of fasting," such as irritability and fatigue, according to Bonnie Spring, Ph.D. , University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School.

--Another research group analyzed government data on 4,200 adults. They found that regular breakfast eaters were more likely to exercise regularly. And women who ate breakfast regularly tended to eat fewer calories overall during the day. Those men and women who ate breakfast cereal had lower overall fat intake -- compared to those who ate other breakfast foods.

--Likewise breakfast for kids is very important.  The American Dietetic Association states that children who eat breakfast have better concentration, problem solving skills and hand-eye coordination.  As a result they are more alert, creative and less likely to miss school. THIS APPLIES TO US ADULTS FOR CONCENTRATION AS WELL!

There's the one Matt and I turn to most mornings:
Yogurt Parfait--The yogurt is loaded with gut-friendly bacteria, protein, and calcium, and to make it a parfait, it's blended with a mix of berries, each of which brings to the cup a unique kick of antioxidants. Just make sure the base is plain - not sugar-laden flavored - yogurt and that the calorie-dense granola is applied with a modest hand.


1/2cup organic low-sugar yogurt or even better 0% greek yogurt (drizzle a little honey if you want, it's a healthy sweetener)
1 cup of fresh fruit--banana, berries, kiwi, mango, papaya, plum, peaches, anything you desire! 
1/4 cup granola (recommend Bare Naked granola--it's natural, NO Artificial Flavors, NO Cholesterol, NO Hydrogenated Oils, NO High Fructose Corn Syrup, NO Preservatives, Og Trans Fat)
opt: dash of cinnamon or ginger