By Courtney Kremer

Hy-Vee Dietitian

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, don’t forget the most important meal of the day.

Amidst family gatherings, office parties, and all the fun and merriment, it is easy to skip out the door without breakfast. Studies show those who eat breakfast tend to eat healthier throughout the day.

The ideal breakfast includes some whole grains, which are packed with fiber, a good protein source and some fruit or vegetables for added vitamins and minerals. If your day is hectic and you just can’t seem to make breakfast in time to get out of the house, try making breakfast ahead.

Make a big pot of oatmeal and keep it in the refrigerator for the week. Just heat some up as you need it. After heating, simply add some milk, nuts (walnuts are high in omega-3’s and protein), frozen berries and some ground flax or chia seeds.

Put it all in a coffee or travel mug and you are out the door.

Some other quick breakfast ideas include:

•Layer yogurt with your favorite granola and blueberries.

•Top a whole-wheat English muffin with peanut butter, sliced bananas and raisins.

•Scramble an egg, toss in diced tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach for a high protein breakfast.

•Make ahead whole-wheat pancakes and freeze. When you need a quick breakfast simply pull one from the freezer and toast in a toaster.

With all these great breakfast ideas, it’s also important to remember that November is National Diabetes Month. This is a great time to shine the light on the importance of breakfast for diabetics as well. Breakfast can help prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in individuals on an insulin regimen. Breakfast can also help with maintaining consistent blood sugar levels throughout the day by helping spread out the amount of carbohydrates evenly throughout the day. Just remember, good diabetes control starts with a breakfast including healthy complex carbohydrates and a good source of protein.

Whatever your plans this season, don’t let your day start without a power-packed breakfast.

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Bagel Gone Bananas

Serves 2 (1/2 bagel each)

All you need

•2 tbsp natural nut butter, such as almond, cashew or peanut

•1 tsp honey

Pinch of salt

•1 whole-wheat bagel, split and toasted

•1 small banana, sliced

All you do

Stir together nut butter, honey and salt in a small bowl.

Divide the mixture between bagel halves and top with banana slices.