Numerous studies confirm that eating a good breakfast helps with better grades, better scores on achievement tests and better classroom behavior, according to the Colorado Dietetic Association.

Breakfast, eliminates transient hunger symptoms such as headache, fatigue, sleepiness, restlessness and decreased attention span -- all factors that are detriments to successful test taking, said CDA spokeswoman Stephanie Smith.

Children who are left to prepare their own breakfast usually skip breakfast or make poor breakfast choices, Smith said. Sugary foods such as fruit, fruit juice, candy or a can of soda, eaten in place of a meal can cause a quick rise in blood sugar and energy. However, about an hour later, blood sugar and energy plummets, bringing on symptoms of hunger.

A balanced breakfast that can delay symptoms of hunger for hours contains sugar, starch, protein, and fat. A quick and easy standard breakfast is toast and cereal, with fruit or juice and a glass of milk.

Here are some other sample breakfast suggestions:

• Toaster waffle with berries or applesauce; and flavored yogurt
• Whole grain English muffin with a slab of Perpper Jack or Cheddar cheese; glass of juice
• Blender fruit, yougurt and milk; with a toasted bagel
• Breafast burrito with salsa, eggs and cheese; orage juice
• Pita pocket stuffed with fruit salad; glass of milk
• Tortilla layered with cheese or peanut butter heated in a microwave; fresh fruit
• Yogurt parfait with layers of fruit and granola
• Grilled cheese sandwhich and tomato juice
• Leftover pizza and apple juice
• A bag of trail mix with dried fruit and milk
• Graham crackers and a smoothie
• A banana, string cheese and muffins