Thursday, May 14, 2009 — The weather is getting warmer and the countdown to summer vacation begins! Not to rain on anyone's parade, but there is one more obstacle to complete before you hand in your textbooks for the year—tests! So be prepared and start the day off right—with a healthy breakfast.

If you're not already eating breakfast each morning, it's time to learn the benefits and delicious options available to you. Breakfast is the most important meal because it gives your body the fuel it needs and sets the mood for the rest of the day, helping you focus. It's important to choose foods from at least three food groups. From whole grain cereal to fruits, yogurt, and eggs, you have a variety of delicious options within each. Who can resist that?

We asked Mrs. Seashore, Millsberry Academy teacher, what she thinks makes a healthy breakfast. We found her decorating her classroom with unicorn posters. "I think oatmeal with berries is truly a winner—it helps you feel energized and full until lunchtime. And don't forget a glass of skim milk!" We thanked Mrs. Seashore and let her get back to her decorating.

Next stop was the Cafeteria. We couldn' help but notice the looks of shock on some of the students' faces. We thought for a moment that they were excited to see us. We soon learned that it wasn't the presence of the Gazette staff—it was grouchy Mrs. Grubbly they were whispering about! There Grubbly was—smiling and asking kids if they started their day with breakfast:

"Is that a yawn I see? Did you eat your breakfast today Joey?" She smiled as she worked.

Joey shyly shook his head no, and promised he would start tomorrow with yogurt, granola, and some juice. Mrs. Grubbly looked pleased.

One student asked us if we thought Mrs. Grubbly had a twin. "It just can't be," said one of the students. "This must be her happy twin! Did you know she has a really high voice too? Not what we expected!"

We assume Grubbly's joy is coming from all the flipping and jumping she's been doing on her new trampoline she got on Mother's Day. And ever since she started being strict about eating breakfast, her flips have gotten fancier with her new energy. She is currently perfecting her back handspring.

One student asked Mrs. Grubbly what she recommended for a healthy breakfast. Grubbly suggested, "Well you can't go wrong with a bunch of berries swirled in yogurt and a piece of whole wheat toast! Or how about sliced apples with peanut butter and toast? Or Cheerios® with cold milk and bananas?"

The list could go on, but there you have it—a menu full of delicious, healthy breakfast options that will kick start your day. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your body. So grab your spoons and those number 2 pencils!