Breakfast is considered on of the most important meals of the day. Careful consideration should be used to choose appropriate foods to start your day off in a healthy way.

1) Make sure to have a protein source at breakfast (ex: eggs, egg substitutes, turkey bacon, low fat sausage, peanut butter, cottage cheese, etc.).

2) Limit your carbohydrates to 45 - 57 grams (2 starch servings, one fruit serving and/or low fat milk).

3) Carbohydrate loading at breakfast is not encouraged.

4) Breakfast should provide at least 20-25% of your calories for the day.

5) If eating a fast food breakfast, avoid breakfast sandwiches that are on a biscuit or a croissant. Choose English muffins, breakfast sandwiches on toast or a breakfast burrito. Check fast food web sites and compare the nutritional breakdown of breakfast items.