As you get ready for your day, is eating breakfast the last thing on your mind? Follow these guidelines to help turn breakfast into a daily, lasting boost of energy:

• Pre-prepare. Cut up fruit or assemble ingredients the night before.

• Stick to quick. Whole grain cereal with milk and a sliced banana is a fast and healthy combination.

• Grab and go. Stock portable foods like fruits, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, and whole wheat crackers.

• Get to bed earlier. And while you’re at it, set your alarm to wake up 20 minutes sooner to have time for these nutritious breakfast ideas:

  • Oatmeal with milk and blueberries
  • Yogurt smoothie (made with frozen fruit or berries) and a muffin made with shredded squash and bananas
  • Omelet with onions, mushrooms, peppers, and tomatoes plus a slice of whole grain toast
  • Buckwheat pancakes topped by fresh fruit, with a small glass of milk
  • 1/4 cup almonds with a banana and a whole grain English muffin topped with peanut butter.