I always start the day off, getting up before everyone else. This allows me to cook up some breakfast and get everything prepared before my little loves start gracing the kitchen!

I always cook breakfast in the morning. Usually it is eggs, scrambled with a little cheese, toast, bacon or sausage and a glass of milk or orange juice. I always try to have both on hand, because a glass of orange juice is full of vitamins and good things to help you and your child get their day started with a bang!

And, to make our mornings more meaningful, we always sit around the table and just talk about whatever we want! I usually let the kids do most of the talking, as they are still very young. This allows them some one-on-one time with both me and my husband. They love this special family time and are always excited and eager to eat at the table. I really think this will have a huge and wonderful impact on them as they grow older and have families of their own. Hopefully they will do the same thing with their kids one day!

We all know mornings are super busy for families, right? Well, parenting expert and author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions, Dr. Michele Borba and nutritionist/author of Expect the Best, Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During & After Pregnancy, Elizabeth Ward, M.S., R.D. has partnered with the Florida Department of Citrus to offer simple solutions to help families start the day off on the right foot.

Some Great Nutrition Tips from Elizabeth Ward, M.S., R.D.:
*Eating a nutritious breakfast can greatly impact your day and has even been associated with weight loss and weight maintenance, as well as improved nutrient intake.

*Breakfast eaters tend to have more energy throughout the day and, because they are not as likely to be hungry, they often have an easier time managing their weight than those who skip breakfast.
*Look for juices that specifically say “100% Juice” on the information panel and avoid beverages with names such as “cocktail,” “beverage,” “drink” or “-ade.”

Parenting Tips from Dr. Michele Borba:

*A simple way to connect is by designating time in your family’s normal morning routine as “unplugged time” – without turning on the television, computer or video games. Start with just 10 minutes and gradually work your way up to more unplugged mornings.
*Instead of rushing out the door, try talking to your kids as you pour a glass of nutrient-rich 100 percent orange juice together while you pack a healthy breakfast to go.

Now, while browsing the Florida Citrus Website, I found some great things I did not know about 100% orange juice…

*Antioxidants. One 8-ounce glass of orange juice gives you at least 100% of the recommended Daily Value for vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant, as it may help neutralize “free radicals” formed as part of the body’s natural oxidation processes. Some influences of modern life, like smoking and air pollution, may also be responsible for the formation of free radicals. Many scientists believe that free radicals may cause cell damage that contributes to the development or progression of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
*Weight Management. One 8-ounce serving of orange juice is fat-free and, at 110 calories per 8-ounce glass, has fewer calories than many commonly consumed 100% fruit juices.
*Glowing Skin. Vitamin C found in orange juice is essential for the production of collagen, which is needed for healthy skin and gums. Collagen breakdown in the skin may lead to signs of premature aging. Regular consumption of Florida orange juice, can provide you with the vitamin C you need to help support collagen formation.
*Immune System Support. When you get a cold, it’s important to give your body the fluids and nutrients it needs. An 8-ounce glass of orange juice provides at least 100% of the recommended Daily Value for vitamin C, plus other nutrients and phytochemicals that can help support a healthy immune system.
*Vitamin Absorption. Citrus foods like orange juice are high in vitamin C, which may help boost the absorption of non-heme iron (the iron found in plants like spinach, not meat products). This is great news for young women, female athletes and vegetarians who may be more susceptible to iron deficiencies.
*Reduce Cancer Risk. A prominent cancer researcher, Dr. Gladys Block, Ph.D., reports that people with low vitamin C intake (less than 50 mg/day) appeared to have approximately twice the cancer risk, compared to people with higher (greater than 100 mg/day) vitamin C intake1

So, what are you waiting for? Go grab yourself a glass of Florida Citrus 100% Orange Juice today! And, while visiting the Florida Citrus website, don’t forget to search the great recipes! Feel free to like Florida Orange Juice on Facebook and download your free Meaningful Morning Checklist to make the most of your mornings with your sweet family!!!

Disclosure:

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Florida Department of Citrus and received an OJ Gift Pack and a promotional item as a thank you for my participation.