Wil Wood, owner, Love to Cook of Logan

In an almost touching scene on the TV series Arrested Development, Michael (Jason Bateman) asks his son George Michael (Michael Cera), “What comes before anything? What’s the most important thing?” George Michael answers, “Breakfast.” Michael says, “Family.”

Family is the most important thing… but let’s talk breakfast because, well, it actually comes before anything each day. I don’t know very many healthy people that skip breakfast. We sleep to help our body maintain and recover. That takes nutrients. Skipping breakfast is shortchanging your body after all the hard work it has done overnight. But today, instead of writing about all the scientific benefits people who eat breakfast experience, I’m just going to tell you what works for our family.

We eat whole-grain waffles, pancakes or French toast four-to-six days a week for breakfast. This is supplemented with eggs, fruit, berries and healthy nut butter. My wife Lauren and our kids like a natural peanut butter, and I like almond butter. Make sure you and your kids are eating the eggs, nut butter and berries. A healthy balance of natural or whole ingredients is the key.

Balancing proteins, carbohydrates and fats is what keeps my energy even throughout the day. If I have an energy crash it’s almost always because I ate too many carbohydrates and/or sugar. Don’t let your kids fall into this trap. Give them healthy snacks to ensure they stay energized. Here are a few things that help our family keep a healthy balance:

Avocados: Good fat, vitamins and fiber
Slice and salt the avocados. Don’t be afraid of the salt! Or make guacamole with these ingredients: 1/2 cup diced onions, juice of 1 lime, granulated or fresh garlic and salt to taste.

Hummus: Good fat, some protein and minerals
There was a garbanzo bean rage back in the ‘90s. I am so glad that’s over and that mainstream America figured out how to benefit from that little bean without eating it plain. Hummus should include just six ingredients: chickpeas (garbanzos), olive oil, garlic, lemon, sea salt and tahini.

Tuna: Lean protein
If you can’t make a good tuna salad, I feel for you. Visit Love to Cook in Logan, and I’ll tell you the “secret” ingredients.

Honey whole wheat bread: Good carbs, fiber and protein
I could write a whole article on this one. Go see James at Great Harvest and get a loaf of honey whole wheat.