Get the most out of breakfast

(ARA) - You've heard for years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Although eating in the morning is a step in the right direction, what people eat appears to be just as important as simply eating.

A balanced breakfast that includes protein, as well as low-fat dairy, whole grains and fruits or vegetables, helps provide energy, and can help keep people going and be at their best. However, the most recent national data shows that on average, only 15 percent of Americans' daily protein intake comes from breakfast. This means there is an opportunity to shift the balance by increasing the amount of protein at breakfast while still maintaining a balanced diet.

Start the day the right way

Kids and adults alike often rush off to school or work without eating breakfast, or just reach for sugary snacks in a frenzy to get out the door. But sugary snacks aren't the only convenient options fit for hectic mornings - more balanced choices that include protein can be quick and easy too.

"As a mother of two teenagers, I know how important it is to provide your family with a nutritious breakfast to help get them going in the morning," says Sara Lee spokesperson, Bridget Swinney, a registered dietitian. "Luckily, there are easy ways to bring balance to the breakfast table - even on busy mornings. Something quick, like a Jimmy Dean D-lights Turkey Sausage Muffin, can help get the day off to a good start in only a few minutes."

Made with whole grains, egg whites, and either turkey sausage, turkey bacon or Canadian bacon, Jimmy Dean D-lights are convenient and tasty options - all with less than 300 calories and more than 18 grams of protein. Paired with a serving of orange wedges and a glass of low-fat milk, it's a warm, satisfying, balanced breakfast in minutes that can help give people the fuel to take on the day.

Why protein is an important part of the diet

Protein is an essential nutrient that helps keep the body going and is an important part of a balanced diet, particularly in kids, because it provides the building blocks they need to grow and stay healthy.

Protein can be found in many foods, such as dairy, nuts, beans, eggs and meat, but protein sources vary widely in their nutritional value. High-quality protein contains all the essential amino acids the body needs and is found primarily in animal sources, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and cheese. It is recommended to eat high-quality protein foods that are lower in saturated fat and from a variety of sources.

So, make a balanced breakfast that includes protein a part of the daily routine to help provide the stamina needed to start off the morning and focus on all of the important things planned for the day.

For more information on the benefits of incorporating protein into your morning, visit www.jimmydean.com/proteinbenefits.

Courtesy of ARAcontent