If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need a healthy breakfast!” By now, we all know that breakfast is important, and no doubt you’ve also heard, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”

That first meal boosts our energy levels to help prevent fatigue, loss of focus, and more. We know we need that healthy food, so how does a person get into the habit of eating a healthy breakfast?

First of all, do exactly that, make it a habit. If you skip breakfast once, then twice, and before you know it, No eating becomes a habit. A bad habit that is not good for you. Instead, reinforce a good-for-you habit and eat breakfast every day.

No doubt many of you are thinking, “I don’t have time to make breakfast!” It’s important, so make time. You are important, so make time! Take care and have a healthy breakfast.

There are ways to make the effort a little easier. Getting up a little earlier to have time to make breakfast is one way, but if that makes you roll your eyes in despair, try making breakfast the night before.

Here are some ideas for making breakfast ahead of time:

• Put some oatmeal in a slow cooker,
• Make whole-grain pancakes, waffles, or French toast, then reheat and top with yogurt, fresh fruit, or nuts (NOT lots of high-sugar syrup),
• make your own breakfast bars,
• Scramble a bunch of eggs, then reheat a serving for breakfast, or even…
• Leftovers from yesterday’s meals.

Some of these foods can also be prepared over the weekend and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Other quick breakfast ideas are:

• Whole grain toast spread with peanut butter,
• Whole grain cold cereal with milk,
• Hot cereals like microwaved oatmeal,
• Fruit smoothies with added protein powder, or
• Fruit salad topped with some walnuts, along with a bran muffin.

It’s best to eat some protein, such as eggs, nuts, or whey powder, and choose nutrient-dense foods that aren’t loaded with sugar or fat.

Think creatively. It doesn’t have to be a traditional breakfast. Check out the health food store or browse the aisles of your local grocery store for healthy food items, check out the produce section, or just anywhere healthy food is plentiful. Find things to eat that you like, that are healthy for you, and easy to fix.

Be kind to yourself and make it a habit. Every day, eat a healthy breakfast.