Make Smart Choices for Your Morning Meal and Reap the Benefits All Day Long

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For 45 years the National School Breakfast Program has been instrumental in fueling the bodies and minds of generations of American school children. This week, in recognition of National School Breakfast Week (March 7-11), leading author and nutrition expert, Elisa Zied, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., shares a few tips on building a better breakfast.

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As a working Mom and mother to two sons, Zied knows firsthand the struggles that busy families face just trying to get out the door in the morning. "A family that is rushing in the morning and doesn't want to take more than a couple of minutes to prepare a healthy breakfast can certainly take a few shortcuts," she says.

"A baggie of fresh berries or even a box of 100 percent fruit juice are two great on-the-go solutions. One box, or 8 ounces of 100 percent fruit juice, gives you two servings of fruit for the day with no added sugar. And either choice provides essential vitamins, minerals, and other important substances that your body needs to stay healthy."

Having breakfast is a great opportunity to incorporate nutrient-rich foods and beverages from key food groups, Zied says. The following mini meals, which Zied recommends pairing with a glass of 100 percent juice, are fast, filling time-savers that can easily be incorporated into your morning routine.

• Low fat plain yogurt topped with crunchy whole grain cereal
• String cheese and a small handful of whole grain crackers
• Homemade trail mix made with whole grain/high fiber cereal, nuts, and dried fruit
• A slice of whole grain/whole wheat toast topped with natural peanut butter and banana slices
• Hummus and cucumber slices wrapped in a whole wheat flour tortilla

For more information about the benefits of breakfast and the important role that 100 percent fruit juice can play in starting your morning right, please visit www.fruitjuicefacts.org and www.elisazied.com.

Related Links:

Learn more about the benefits of 100% juice

Tips from a leading nutrition expert to help you make better food choices

SOURCE Juice Products Association