It's true! Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Eating breakfast can improve your metabolism, reduce your cravings for carbohydrates, and reduce your feeling of hunger throughout the day. These all help you to maintain a healthy weight. Eating breakfast can also improve energy, mood, and performance at school or work. So start your day off right with breakfast.

We recommend shakes that are high in protein, low in sugar, do not contain partially hydrogenated oils, and contain at least 20% of your daily requirement for essential vitamins and minerals. For a well balanced start to your day, try one of the following shakes:

• Carnation Instant Breakfast -- No Sugar Added
• DiabetiTrim
• EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control
• Atkins Advantage Shake

These two are lactose free:

• Glucerna Weight Loss Shake
• Choice DM

One drawback to shakes is that they tend to lack vital nutrients found only in whole foods, such as phytonutrients and fiber. For quick and easy alternatives to shakes, try one of the following well balanced breakfast combinations:

• 1 cup whole grain cereal, 1/2 cup 1% milk, 1 small banana
• 1 packet plain oatmeal, 2 tablespoons pecans , 1/8 cup dried cranberries
• 1 slice of 100% whole wheat bread, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1 orange
• 1/2 whole grain English muffin, 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup strawberries
• 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• Trail mix: 3/4 cup whole grain cereal, 1/8 cup unsalted peanuts, 1/8 cup raisins
• 2 pieces low-fat string cheese, 1 apple