As a nutrition professional, it’s easy for me to tell people to eat breakfast, but it’s not always easy for people to get it done.

Why?

The most common excuses are “I’m not hungry in the morning” or “I don’t have time.”

But maybe enticing you with some of the benefits of breakfast will change your outlook (with some simple ideas too!).

Here are some key benefits for all ages:

• Metabolism and weight — Did you know that during the night your metabolism slows?  Breakfast is not a meal to skip when trying to keep your metabolism healthy, because breakfast leads to a healthy weight.

• Healthier eating — When you eat a healthy breakfast of whole grains, fruit and protein, you tend to also eat healthier throughout the rest of the day.  Give yourself a head start at breakfast.

• Fiber — When you eat higher-fiber cereals or add berries to breakfast (or beans to your egg scramble), you boost up your fiber intake for the day, which helps you be more likely to get to your goal of 30 grams per day.

• Alertness and concentration — If you are feeling drowsy or irritable in the morning, try eating breakfast!  It helps stabilize your blood sugar and could be the reason for improved memory and attention-span benefits.

• Mood — Don’t worry, be happy.  When you provide food to your brain in the morning, you are likely to be happier and less grouchy.

Here are some simple breakfast ideas that don’t take more than 5 minutes to put together, the key being to prep ahead.

Have fresh fruits on hand to top off your cereal.  If you have fresh vegetables cut up and ready, you are more likely to add them into your omelet.  Be ready at the beginning of the week by hard-boiling a carton of eggs, and add one to your breakfast for delicious protein.

Fruit Smoothies.  Add 1 cup frozen fruit, half a banana, 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt and 1/4 cup juice or milk and whirl in a blender and out the door you go.

Top your whole grain waffle with peanut or almond butter (after it’s toasted) and sprinkle with nuts or dried fruit.

Finger-friendly options.  Try fresh fruit and cheese.  Try sliced pears with cubes of Havarti cheese or sliced apples with cheddar, add some bite-size, whole-grain cereal or crackers for a simple treat.

Cereal sundae in a cup.  Replace the milk with vanilla or another flavored yogurt; add bran flakes and berries for a delicious treat that is portable too.

Mexican Breakfast wraps

All you need

6 eggs

4 (6-inch) whole wheat tortillas

1/2 cup mild black bean and corn salsa, divided

1/2 cup 2 percent reduced-fat shredded four-cheese Mexican blend cheese, divided

All you do

1. Spray a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.  Add eggs and stir 3 to 4 minutes.

2. Divide the eggs equally among each tortilla.  Add 2 tablespoons each of salsa and cheese to each tortilla.

3. Wrap and fold ends; secure with toothpick if necessary.  Serves 4.

Nutrition Facts per Serving: 330 calories, 13 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 330 mg cholesterol, 840 mg sodium, 33 g total carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 18 g protein.