"A healthy breakfast is a great way to get a jumpstart on nutrient intake for the day, which is beneficial considering less than 11 percent of Americans are meeting the current USDA daily guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption"¹ said nutrition consultant Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD and author of The Pocket Idiot's Guide to the New Food Pyramids.

Nutritionist Elizabeth Ward breaks down common excuses for skipping breakfast and offers advice on how to squeeze in a healthy meal every day.

1. Excuse: "I don't have enough time."
Solution: No matter your lifestyle, mornings are often the most hectic time of the day. But there are easy ways you can squeeze in a nutritious meal every morning.

• Shop for healthy breakfast foods like whole grain breads and cereals, low-fat yogurt and orange juice. Having these items on hand makes a morning meal easier to assemble.
• In a rush? Bring breakfast in the car and grab a bottle or fill up your favorite insulated to-go cup with 100 percent orange juice for a natural source of vitamins and minerals. Just one serving is more nutrient dense than many commonly consumed 100% fruit juices.²
• Save time by preparing the evening before. Don't just pack lunch, pack breakfast as well.

2. Excuse: "I don't like to eat first thing when I wake up."
Solution: If you like to hit the snooze a few times every morning, breakfast may be the last thing on your mind. Remember you do not have to eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up. A healthy meal fuels the mind and body so just squeeze in a snack before lunchtime. Stock your kitchen or office with healthy, convenient foods and 100 percent orange juice.

3. Excuse: "I can't spare the calories."
Solution: Eating more often may actually help you weigh less. Research suggests that eating breakfast regularly may contribute to weight maintenance.^{3, 4} To make breakfast beneficial, choose healthy options that help you increase your servings of vegetables and fruits. For example, just an 8-ounce glass of 100 percent orange juice provides almost 25 percent of the daily USDA recommended serving of fruits and vegetables based on a 2,000-calorie diet and is more nutrient dense than many commonly consumed 100% fruit juices.²

4. Excuse: "I don't like traditional breakfast foods."
Solution: Pancakes, eggs and bacon not tempting your taste buds or your hectic schedule? Non-traditional breakfasts and even last night's leftovers like baked chicken or vegetable soup pack the nutrients you need to get your day started right. Or grab a whole wheat dinner roll from last night and spread it with peanut butter. Getting fuel in the morning is important as research shows eating breakfast every day contributes to increased attention and performance at work and school.³

Click here for more information on Elizabeth Ward.