Yes it is. But, unfortunately, it is also the most often skipped meal of the day. Many people claim they are not hungry when they wake up, or that they are too busy to eat. They have their alarm clocks set so that they have enough time to shower, dress, and run out the door. Studies show that if you skip breakfast, your mental performance takes a significant dive. You will not be able to concentrate well, and your memory suffers, which can cause poor job performance. Also, if you exercise in the morning, you will have a better workout if you eat beforehand.

The meaning of the word breakfast literally comes from breaking your night of fasting (since most people don't eat while they sleep). So, if you are getting enough sleep, this means you have been "fasting" for at least 8 hours, so your body is hungry for fuel. And, your brain needs carbohydrates in order to function properly.

There is also evidence which suggests that eating a good breakfast may help you to lose weight. One study showed that people who ate breakfast actually ate less at lunch and dinner and were less likely to snack than those who did not eat breakfast.

So what is the best breakfast to eat? Well, a healthy cold cereal with lowfat or fat-free milk is a good way to get all of the nutrients you need. Cereals such as Total boast a whopping 100% RDA for all vitamins and minerals — that means you get all the vitamins and minerals you need for the day from just one serving of cereal. What a way to start your day off! (Just remember to choose a healthy cereal, not a junk-food cereal.)

If you one of those guilty of skipping breakfast altogether, try making small changes to incorporate breakfast into your day. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Start out slowly, with realistic goals — maybe eat breakfast every other day for the first week or so. Try eating just one thing on the first day — perhaps a slice of whole-wheat toast and jam. Eventually, you will feel hunger pangs on the mornings you skip breakfast.

2. If you just cannot eat in the morning, consider a shake — in a blender mix some fruit, milk, ice, and lowfat frozen yogurt — it is delicious, satisfying, and good for you! This is also a great "to go" breakfast. Just pour your shake into a large "to go" coffee mug and drink it on the ride to work.

3. Get your family involved — make your spouse and children join you for breakfast — good food and great conversation will put a smile on your face before you even walk out the door!

Nutitionist Bonnie Nasar, RD, graduated from New York University with a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Food Studies. She completed her dietetic internship at Harlem Hospital in NYC. In addition to a private practice, Bonnie also works as a consultant to a nursing home in Red Bank, New Jersey. Ms Nasar has also worked at American Health Magazine.