Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It kick-starts your day and helps you power through it, your attention, memory, and even your mood are better. Studies show that children who eat breakfast perform better in school. A good start in the morning keeps you moving better all day.

No time to make breakfast? Harvest Home has some fast and delicious ideas to take the rush out of your mornings. Make overnight oatmeal and add your toppings the night before or in the morning, your choice. You can top with fruit (fresh/frozen), nuts, coconut and mini chocolate chips or even peanut butter and jelly, the possibilities are endless.

For each individual portion, in a glass jar mix together

• 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats

• 1/2 cup milk of choice

• 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon sweetener like honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and put in the fridge overnight. NOTE: Overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. An ideal breakfast meal you can make on Sunday night for the week. Deliciously cold, but if you want it warm, microwave for one minute

Not a fan of oatmeal, make a batch of smoothies or try making breakfast muffins (recipe below). But whatever you do, have breakfast. You’ll be glad you did!

BREAKFAST IN A HURRY

RECIPE: Banana, Carrot Oatmeal Muffins

Moist, flavorful and healthy

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas

• 1 cup grated carrots

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup milk of choice

• 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, raisins optional add-in

PREPARATION:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12 muffin cups with nonstick spray.

• In a large bowl mix flour, oatmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together. In a separate bowl combine mashed banana, oil, eggs, vanilla, honey and milk . Add the flour mixture into the wet mixture and stir to just combine. Gently fold in any other add-ins.

• Fill each muffin cup 3/4 full. Bake for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center of muffins comes out clean.

• Store in zip-lock bag. They will last 4 to 5 days in the fridge or freeze them.

TIPS & TRICKS:

Get out the Door FAST in the AM

Overnight Oatmeal Tips :

(Be sure to use old fashion rolled oats.)

• Add frozen fruit like blueberries when you make the oatmeal. They defrost overnight.

• Top with nuts like almonds, cashews or pecans, coarsely chopped.

• Try coconut milk or almond milk.

• Adding a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter makes the oatmeal creamier and smoother and adds protein.

• "Pumpkin Pie Spice": Add 1/3 cup of pumpkin, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon vanilla to basic overnight oatmeal recipe. Pie for breakfast!

Make your own applesauce: Peel and slice several apples into a pan. Add about a 1/2 inch of water. Cook for 10-15 minutes depending on how hard the apples are. Stir occasionally and add a little more water if necessary to avoid sticking. Seasoning with cinnamon and a dash of sugar or honey.