Running late for school yet again? Just give the kids a Pop Tart on the way out the door and they'll be fine. If you're all out of the sugary toaster treat, just swing through Krispy Kreme on the way and your offspring will be good to go. Right? Wrong! Wrong! And Wrong. You might as well give your children a cup of coffee if that's what you consider a good breakfast.

Well sure it's quick, convenient and tasty! In addition to lacking any nutritional value, the sugar buzz will quickly wear off and then your little one will fall asleep right before morning recess. So what about a bowl of cereal and a bagel? Nope, that's not much better; although some cold cereals are clearly better than others. You want to feed your children a nutritionally sound breakfast, complete with a source of protein.

Quick and convenient does not have to equate to a boatload of carbs and sugar. How many times have you heard, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day"? It's true; it sets the tone for the whole day. Children need to be able to focus, and they need to be awake.

Eggs are a great source of protein. If you don't have time to cook in the morning, then make some hard boiled eggs the night before. Those are quick and easy. You can also make fruit smoothies with yogurt and your children's favorite fruit. Add a little cinnamon and vanilla, and then pour it all in the blender.

How many years has Carnation Instant Breakfast been around? It's been around longer than most readers will remember. But there is good reason for their longevity. It's chock full of antioxidants (as much as a cup of green tea) and it has twice the protein of an egg and twice as much calcium as a 6 oz. container of fruited yogurt. It tastes like chocolate milk, but it's oh so much better.

Maybe your child just isn't a breakfast person. Who says you have to eat typical breakfast food in the morning? Have you read "101 Delicious Chicken Recipes?" If your student likes chicken, serve up a 3 oz. chicken breast for breakfast. There's no rule against it. And it's a nutritionally sound breakfast, complete with a source of protein.

Don't forget to put a small baggie full of almonds in your child's backpack. Nuts are also a great convenient, energy boosting addition to breakfast. Just say 'No" to sugary toaster treats!

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