Q&A: Our kids always seem to be in a hurry in the morning, often rushing off to school with little more than a toaster pastry.  What should I do?

Eating a toaster pastry for breakfast is fine on occasion, but these high-fat, high-calorie goodies generally offer little nutritional value except energy. Breakfast for active children should provide one-fourth to one-third of their daily nutrient and energy needs. Providing a source of calcium at breakfast is of particular importance since most children do not get enough of this bone-building mineral in their diet. Send a carton of skim milk or box of calcium-fortified orange juice along with that toaster pastry and you can do much to improve the nutritional quality of your children's breakfast-on-the-run.     

Other take-along breakfast ideas include: cheese on toast and a juice box, peanut butter on a tortilla and a carton of skim milk, fat-free yogurt topped with granola or fruit, a breakfast bar and a box of calcium-fortified orange juice, and even a slice of left-over cheese pizza and easy-to-eat fresh orange slices.    

It's a good idea to get organized the night before to avoid the morning rush hour. Time usually spent looking for the right clothes, lost shoes or homework, can be spent on eating a good breakfast.    

 Studies show that kids who eat a nutrition-packed breakfast do better in school, are more attentive, feel better, and are more likely to engage in physical activities.

Breakfast