Breakfast is key according to scientists whose research shows that going without it increases the likelihood of fatigue, irritability and restlessness. And those benefits don’t even touch on the meal’s vital role in maintaining stable blood glucose levels. That all sounds good, right? But eating breakfast may not always be as easy as it sounds. The secret to becoming a consistent breakfast eater is to figure out your breakfast style and meal-plan to fit that style. That’s why we’ve thought up some quick-fix day starters to break whatever breakfast barriers stand in your way.

You’re out the door each morning without ever even thinking about eating, let alone squeezing in a nutritious meal. You are not alone—about 30 percent of Americans don’t eat breakfast at home. Luckily, a plethora of tasty (yet nutritious) options are available for you to eat on the fly.

You need something that is not only portable, but is also chock-full of vitamins, minerals and protein to keep you energized while you execute your schedule.

• Yank a meal-replacement shake out of the fridge as you reach for your keys. While you’re at it, grab a piece of fruit to chomp as a mid-morning snack.
• Stash a box of nutritious snack bars in your desk drawer to munch while you check your e-mail in the morning. Just be sure to check the nutrition labels and look for those that are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Not sure what nutrients you need? Find out at Building a Better Breakfast.

Knowing how beneficial eating breakfast can be, you’ve carved out some time to start your mornings right. You don’t have all day, so you demand a quick, satisfying solution with little clean up or prep work. But fun, fulfilling options that fit that profile seem hard to come by.

You deserve something flavorful as a reward for your dedication to eating breakfast. Here are some of our favorites:

• Pop a whole-grain waffle in the toaster while you pack your lunch; top it off with mango chutney for extra zing.
• Fortify plain low-fat yogurt with Vanilla CARNATION® INSTANT BREAKFAST® No Sugar Added powder and fruit for a quick nutritious meal. See this recipe at our Berry Breakfast Crumble Recipe.

Breakfast food just isn’t for everyone, and certainly not you. You simply can’t muster up an appetite for the usual morning standbys, so you would rather go without.

If traditional morning fare doesn’t do it for you, just pick something else:

• Heat up last night’s leftovers for a quick, warm meal.
• Enjoy a scoop of low-fat cottage cheese with fruit for a calcium-conscious breakfast alternative.

If you just don’t find yourself feeling hungry in the morning, find something you can take with you to eat later, before your stomach starts to rumble.

Your weekends are spent prepping for the week ahead. With chores like laundry, running errands and cleaning the house on your mind, taking time to prepare and enjoy a hearty breakfast is probably not at the top of your to-do list.

Consider adding meal planning for the days ahead to your list, but first take some time to celebrate the weekend by cooking something special on these days. Saturdays and Sundays present the perfect opportunity to experience the benefits of eating right with a scrumptious breakfast.

• Try our spring zucchini frittatas
• Check out our Muy Delicioso Mexican Morning ideas
• If you’re in the mood for muffins, bake up a batch of your favorite meal-plan friendly variety! Eat one, then freeze the rest; you can microwave one each morning of the coming week for a warm start to the day.

No matter what breakfast style your schedule and taste buds dictate, you can help turn your good morning into a good day simply by eating Meal #1. Not only should your glucose levels stay better in check, but you might soon find yourself experiencing all the other benefits—including a welcome mood and energy boost—that a healthy breakfast can bring to life.