Just me writing my little story! It's a coming of age story about a girl graduating from high school and not being sure where to go from there. Her family and friends help her out with a little bit of chaos and a lot of luck!<br /><br />There are too many people here. It’s a boarding school, and yet, there are so many people and no places to sit. Hailey flutters past with Mouse hot on her heels, as they usually were, and I reach out to grab Hailey’s arm, causing her to do a funny little twirl thing and for Mouse to bump into her. <br />“Sorry!” Mouse squeaked and jumped back a step, their sneakers making a funny noise on the floor. <br />“Not your fault… Are you coming to the soccer party?”<br />“Nah, I’m gonna stay here. Hails and I are breaking up when you two leave this party so I figure I can’t really show up on her arm.” Hailey rolled her eyes as Mouse spoke, and I once again wondered how the two of them had managed to put an end date on their relationship and actually have it work out. They had sort of always known that they wouldn’t last outside of high school, so after the party they would just go back to being friends. It didn’t make sense to me, but whatever, I wasn’t either of them. <br />“Alrighty… I was actually about to ask Hailey when we were going to leave, but um, if you two want to stay? I don’t wanna rush out, but the band kids aren’t really my crowd…” Hailey grinned at me and blew a kiss as she grabbed Mouse’s hand. <br />“We can leave as soon as I say bye to everyone! Thank you for coming!” I rolled my eyes as they disappeared in the sea of people and I shrunk back to the corner and pulled out my phone. It wasn’t that I disliked the band kids, they were all pretty cool, I just didn’t know them well enough to party. <br />I had a text from Leo, Hailey’s older brother, a few from Evelyn and a good night text from Cardan, that simultaneously requested that I tell the theater kids he was sorry he couldn’t make it. More than likely, if I looked at their group chat, he had already sent twenty apology texts and there was no reason for me to do that. I shot Evelyn a quick text that said I would be leaving as soon as Hailey was ready, which we both knew meant I would not be leaving for at least a half an hour, then I settled against the wall to text Leo. <br />Leo has been best friends with my older brother Zebediah since he started going to school here, they even opened a cafe together. Plus, he and Hailey get along super duper well, so I’ve become friends with him. His current text was just reminding me to not stay out too late so I wouldn’t be exhausted and sleep through my alarms tomorrow. <br />T: I don’t sleep through alarms with Evelyn around haha. That girl would wake up to a pin drop :p <br />L: Valid. Have you made it to the soccer party yet, or is Hails still procrastinating her doomed relationship ending?<br />T: I wouldn’t call it procrastinating…. More like socializing so people don’t realize they broke up haha<br />L: I don’t think I will ever understand those two<br />T: You just have to remember Yolanda, and it all makes sense again<br />L: Tia, nobody remembers Yolanda like I do lmao<br />L: I lived with Hails that summer, remember?<br />T: Hahaha you live with her every summer goofus<br />L: I could be living with you every summer though ;)<br />I rolled my eyes and left him on read, sliding my phone back into my pocket so I could find Hailey and pretend that her brother didn’t just flirt with me. She knew he did though, and it wasn’t like I didn’t flirt back, we just didn’t actually like each other. It was still her brother though, so I was never allowed to mention it. <br />Pushing off the wall, I went to find her, sliding past kids I had known my whole life and trying to ignore the nagging feeling of doom about the fact that I would never again see all of us in one room. We would never be the same kids again, and we were all about to go live real lives, not closed up in a boarding school. <br />Hailey was in the middle of the dance floor when I found her, with Mouse wrapped around her, and they looked deep in conversation, so I backed away, but Hailey spotted me and held up a finger, so I didn’t wander far, just turned to say hi to Mae, a violinist in the band. <br />“You ready to be out?” She called over the music. I laughed and nodded, and she patted my arm. <br />“Tell your girls I said good job last week, and good luck in college! I like you all, but I am not about to go to a jock event with no alcohol!” She lifted her Solo cup with a salute-like gesture and then pointed over my shoulder before waving and walking away. If I hadn’t known the universal signal for “Hailey is coming, gotta go”, I probably would have questioned the quick exit. Some people just knew that she talked a lot and did not have the time. <br />“Ready, Freddy?” Hailey asked, slinging an arm around my waist, as though it was my shoulder. I looked down at her, and she grinned up at me, so I nodded. The breakup must have gone to plan if she wasn’t upset. She skipped out of the room, somehow dragging me along, despite me being almost over a half a foot taller than her tiny 4’ 10” person. <br />Once we were outside of the dorm collection that was hosting the band event, Hailey did a little twirl and grinned at me, stopping me where I stood. <br />“Are you ready for the best night of your high school life? Ready to say goodbye to all of your teammates and start your fabulous life as a rockstar?” A snort escaped me and I patted Hails on the head before tugging her down the hallway. <br />“I guarantee that I will not become a rockstar if I become anything. Not a rockstar, not a professional athlete, and definitely not an actress.” Hailey had started throwing random jobs at me this past week, trying to find one that clicked. Of course, she never threw out valid options, just ridiculous ones that I would never actually become. <br />A shriek and then my name being yelled alerted me to the presence of Evelyn about five seconds before she launched herself into my arms. <br />“Oh my god, you won’t believe what is happening in there! Gina is WASTED!” <br />“I thought real athletes didn’t drink?” Hailey cried as she shoved past the two of us to get to the dorm cluster that was hosting the “jock people”, which really just meant the kids who played sports, but we weren’t all serious jocks. <br />“Gina isn’t going pro, so she decided that she wanted to get wasted with us once before we all head our separate ways. Katrina, Lucy and Cam are a little tipsy, but most of us are sober.” Evelyn punched my arm on “us” like she was implying that I was part of the “real athletes” squad. I didn’t drink because I wanted to be in good shape for the sports and because I liked runner’s high, not because I was going pro like a lot of my teammates. <br />“And the guys…” I trailed off as Evelyn and I finally followed Hailey into the party and I found a horrifying scene in front of me. If Katrina, Lucy and Cam were tipsy, I did not want to see Gina. The three girls were standing on a table, doing the macarena and singing Sweet Caroline as the welcome committee and just behind them, I could see Parker, Isaac, Dominic and Justin lining up shots, all four of them shirtless and screaming. <br />“Welcome to Hell!” Evelyn cried as she pulled me past the alcoholics and into the main room. Gina was laying in the middle of the floor, but everyone else was mostly just mingling and hugging, a couple people were crying, and I relaxed at that. I did not want to drink and I was worried my friends had lost their minds for a second. We just weren’t those people usually. I normally felt okay about not drinking at parties with them. <br />“T! Come over here!” Veronica, our goalie, waved me and Evelyn over to a group of girls who were sitting on a couple couches and chatting. I headed over, glancing around for Hailey, but I wasn’t worried when I didn’t find her. She was probably halfway done with her rounds or caught up talking to someone. <br />I joined the girls on the couches and Bea Olsen pulled a bag of pretzels out from behind a pillow and offered me one. <br />“Gina tried to run off with them earlier,” she explained as Bea Klutz offered me a carrot from next to Bea Olsen. <br />“She did not try to steal the carrots though,” I laughed and relaxed into the couch, content to talk to my teammates for one more night.<br />A little while later, Evelyn tapped my arm and I nodded, grabbing one more carrot before standing up. The Beas simultaneously cried no and jumped up to hug us. <br />“Don’t go yet! You only have to be up in…” Glancing at her watch, Bea Olsen cringed, “four hours… Oopsie!” I laughed and hugged her back, biting my lip so I wouldn’t cry as a whole line of teammates that I had known my whole life and worked with, slept with, breathed with and basically lived in each other’s back pockets during soccer season hugged me and said goodbye. We would all see each other on the train tomorrow, but it just wasn’t the same. This was our last soccer night. This was the last time I would see the Beas, or Veronica for a very long while, since they had all been recruited to play soccer in America. A few others had made soccer teams, but more local, or just at a college, but I still wouldn’t see them as much. <br />“Hey, keep in contact, yeah?” Veronica asked as she hugged me, squeezing tight. I hugged her as tightly as I could, nodding even though she couldn’t see me. We held on for a little longer than the others had, and I buried my face in her neck before pulling back and letting her hug Evelyn as I pulled myself together. Evelyn grabbed my hand as we left the party, neither of us looking back. <br />The walk back to our room was pretty quiet, and when we got there, Evelyn squeezed my hand before heading to her dresser to grab pajamas. <br />“5 am, right?” There was a crack in Evelyn’s voice as she asked, but I replied just like I had everyday since seventh grade. <br />“Always,” I whispered as I grabbed my own pajamas and headed to change my clothes.<br /><br />The next morning, when my alarm went off and I looked at Evelyn sitting up, I bit my lip to hold off the tears as we changed into our running clothes and headed out. Evelyn offered me her earbud and I dug my nails into my palm so I didn’t cry. When Don’t Stop Believin’ played, I pulled my hair a little harder than usual into a ponytail so I would have an excuse for the tears welling. If we ran a little slower than usual, it was because we were tired, not because our lungs burned with the urge to sob. When the final notes of the playlist rang out through the earbuds and we just stood, staring at the doors to the school, it was because we were tired, not to remember every day that we had run that same path, chattering and getting to know one another, and giggling as we tried to keep quiet as we reentered and didn’t want to wake the people who put off getting up until the last second. If my hand shook as I handed her the earbud, it was from the lack of food before the run, not because I would never listen to that playlist with Evelyn on school grounds again. If my face was a little wet in the shower, it was from the water, not tears falling down my face. When I got out and pulled my pajamas back on, I curled into a ball because it was a good way to sleep, not because I was hiding tears. Evelyn didn’t go back to bed, she never had. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep, but I listened to her going through her morning routine. The one I knew she went through every single morning in the same order because she hated change. This morning, if she paused and took a rattled breath every once in a while, I tried to not flinch because she was just yawning. When Hailey’s alarm went off, Evelyn was gone, down at breakfast like usual, and Hailey walked over to shake me, but instead she pulled me into a hug, and for once, didn’t say anything. <br /><br />Breakfast was a weird affair. They had a line up of grab and go foods as everyone carried their luggage to the train. Underclassmen chattered about summer plans and who was rooming with who the next year and the usual end of year conversations, but I didn’t say anything as Hailey chattered about the parties she had gone to after I went to sleep. She hadn’t gotten to bed until 4 am the night before, and I wasn’t sure how she was functioning. Cardan was standing against a wall with an apple in his hand, his tall frame standing out, even if his blonde hair wouldn’t have defined him instantly. After I grabbed a muffin and a banana, I headed over to him, Hailey trailing behind as she spoke.<br />“Good morning, sunshine!” She greeted Cardan, wrapping him in a hug, which he quickly returned. “Ready to go home?” Cardan glanced at me as Hails asked the question and I giggled a little, knowing that in his head he was quoting Harry Potter at Hailey, who would never understand the reference no matter how many times the two of us had forced her into marathons. Plus, Hailey liked being home, unlike Cardan. <br />“Ready for you to visit.” He booped Hailey on the nose and I reached up to ruffle his hair. <br />“Smile, pretty boy. It’s two weeks. You’ve got this. I’ll call you everyday, and I might even be able to bully my brothers into calling you.” Cardan nodded stiffly at me as I spoke, and Hailey peeled herself off to munch on her own muffin. <br />“Hey, I’ll be there in one week, and if T isn’t hogging all of his time, I can get Leo to text you daily too,” Hailey said softly, offering Cardan a smile. He nodded again, but his hand was tapping away at his leg and he was chewing his lip already. <br />“One week,” he mumbled to himself before grabbing his bags and leading us all to the train. We didn’t talk much on the walk there, and I fell asleep with my head in Cardan’s lap on the ride, his fingers brushing my hair and Hailey chattering away, just like old times. The only difference was that when I woke up and got off the train, I knew I wouldn’t be getting on it again in a few months. <br />

(NewsUSA) - "To shave strokes from your golf game, the only equipment you need is a good eraser."<br /> <br /> Although this phrase is uttered jokingly by many golfers, recreational golfers who've reached their plateau have had very few other options, until now.<br /> <br /> "If recreational golfers insist on following the rules used by the PGA Tour, there's little they can do to immediately improve their game," says John Hoeflich, executive director, of the United States Recreational Golf Association (USRGA). "However, if they play by USRGA rules, they do have the option to switch to better equipment."<br /> <br /> The USRGA is the official organization that governs recreational golf. Its rules allow the use of higher-performance golf equipment. Hoeflich estimates that more than half of U.S. golfers agree with the USRGA rules that permit equipment that "puts fun back in the game, speeds up play and helps achieve better scores."<br /> <br /> Callaway Golf started the recreational equipment movement in 2000 with the ERC II driver. Now Polara Golf is advancing the movement with its Advantage driver and Ultimate Straight golf balls -- both engineered to eclipse the PGA limits, which means you can't play them in the Masters or U.S. Open.<br /> <br /> David Felker, chief technology officer for Polara Golf, explains, "Our drivers and balls are not intended for the top amateur players and professionals. We purposely designed equipment that exceeds the performance limits accepted by the PGA Tour, so that recreational golfers can experience less frustration, score lower and have more fun."<br /> <br /> A 2012 Google consumer survey revealed that 63 percent of respondents would consider using golf equipment that provides a performance advantage. This sentiment is shared by the PGA of America president, Ted Bishop, who says, "I think anything we can do to relax the rules, if it means putting non-conforming equipment in the hands of players that enable them to hit the ball higher and farther and enjoy the game more -- what's the problem?"<br /> <br /> According to the National Golf Foundation, golf rounds have fallen by 8 percent since 2007, largely due to the frustrations of the game, excessive play times and high costs.<br /> <br /> "The technology now exists to make golf more pleasurable for everyone," says Felker. "Who doesn't want to have more fun?"<br /> <br /> For more information, visit www.polaragolf.com and www.usrga.org.<br /> <br /> Ref: Golf - in Blogs

You ever notice how everyone's got a morning routine? "I'm a morning person," they say. "I'm a night owl," they claim. But let's be real, most of us are just trying to survive until our first cup of coffee.<br /><br />I was talking to my friend George the other day, and he told me his morning routine involves hitting the snooze button 12 times. I'm pretty sure that's not what the wellness experts had in mind.<br /><br />So, what's your morning routine? Are you a zen master or a caffeine junkie? Do you meditate, journal, or hit the gym? Or do you just roll out of bed and stumble into the kitchen?<br /><br />Let's get real about our morning habits. What's working for you? What's not? Share your morning struggles and triumphs with us! 🤣☕️ #MorningRoutine #Lifestyle #ComedyOfErrors

Why do people put pressure on others to be themselves then get mad when they do just that? What's meant by "be yourself" if it's not meant to be something to encourage others to be more genuine rather than pretending to socialize the same ways as everyone else? <br /> <br /> Every time I'm told to be myself, I genuinely don't know what's expected of me. Do people want me to fit in with normal behaviors? If that's the meaning, then don't tell me to be myself, because I'm nothing close to normal.<br /> <br /> Me being myself is me explaining that I read Atlas Shrugged because of the fact most of the plot revolves around saving train companies from collapsing under the financial ruin of the country, not because of the commentary on Communism being bad, because I already knew that it didn't work, so I didn't need the politics of it. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is rambling about how the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Doctor Who Universe makes sense together because they both have moments of time travel, the Stark Tower from the MCU got reused as UNIT Headquarters in Doctor Who, and they'd all get along if they met because they're fighting to save reality day in and day out. There's more in-depth reasons, but I'll spare the details for now. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is me being goofy and nerdy, not fitting in to a social standard that doesn't make sense to me. If I wanted to know if the weather was nice, I wouldn't ask someone who has a different perspective on what nice weather is, as I'm the odd one to prefer rain over sun, I'll just look out a window. <br /> <br /> All of that to say I don't understand why people say to just be myself then get upset if I'm too nerdy for them. If you ask for it, don't be surprised and angry that you got it.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span><br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - With so many TV shows, videos, and games vying for a child's attention, it can be hard to keep him or her inspired to read. It can be even harder to do so in "real life" settings, but interacting with other kids and sharing excitement for a series or character is often more powerful than swiping a screen.<br /> <br /> Enter the Barnes & Noble Kids' Book Hangout. This new nationwide program invites kids aged 6 through 12 to go to their local Barnes & Noble to hang out, talk books, and play fun games and activities - all "in real life."<br /> <br /> Through this new program, Barnes & Noble booksellers will lead kids in games and activities related to select titles that showcase a range of genres and tastes.<br /> <br /> "The whole idea of the Hangout is for kids to see how much fun reading can be, and that enjoying characters, stories, and books really can be a social experience," says Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children's Books. "If the kids walk away with a new favorite character or series that motivates them to keep reading, then we'll have done our job."<br /> <br /> The first Kids' Book Hangout starts Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m. in every Barnes & Noble store nationwide. Kids don't have to read the featured books, and everyone from 6-12 is welcome. The national bookseller will continue to host Hangouts on a seasonal schedule.<br /> <br /> For the inaugural gathering, Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Penguin Young Readers to showcase titles that include heartfelt poetry, a hilarious Caveboy, a mysterious adventure, and a Beatle-crazed young woman. The books are:<br /> <br /> * Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson<br /> <br /> * More Scrawny Than Brawny, by Aaron Reynolds<br /> <br /> * The Basque Dragon, by Adam Gidwitz<br /> <br /> * She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah), by Ann Hood<br /> <br /> The four titles will be 20 percent off all day at Barnes & Noble on July 28, and Frappuccinos and smoothies will be $1 off for Hangout participants.<br /> <br /> The first Hangout comes at a great time for parents struggling to keep their kids reading during the summer. When school starts up again, the Hangouts will be a good reminder that books aren't just for classrooms.<br /> <br /> "The relationship people have with books and reading often starts in childhood, and we hope these Hangouts will help parents and caregivers lay a great foundation for young readers," Fryling says.<br /> <br /> The program adds to Barnes & Noble's other offerings for kids, including the earn-a-free-book Summer Reading Program, and weekly Storytimes for younger kids.<br /> <br /> The bookseller has more information on its website: www.bn.com/bnhangout, and will be posting about the event at <a class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://stallios.com/search/hashtag/BNHangout">#BNHangout</a>.<br /> <br /> Ref: Communities - in Blogs

I’m doing it. I am finally calling out something that bothers the **** out of me in country music, and that is Dump Truck Country Marketing. Why is it that one of the best songwriters in modern country music, Miss Lainey Wilson, has to market on the strength and size of her ample posterior instead of just getting credit for the music that she makes? Why is it Priscilla Block had to immediately be the first to pick on herself through songs like “Thick Thighs Save Lives” in order to be taken seriously on any stage? <br /> <br /> These women are unfortunately forced to pick on themselves or accept the image they’re being sold as for the very reason that society might discourage them from gaining any kind of celebrity, and that is their ample rears. Their voluminous posteriors seem to be the focus of all their press releases, of all their news coverage, and quite honestly, I’m sick of it. Now, I’m a fan of a nice, round rear, but I don’t understand what that has to do with the music you make other than if you fall on your ***, it might not hurt as much. When are we going to stop marketing bodies and start marketing music again? I’m all for body positivity, but this is a pain in MY ***. <br /> <br /> The sexualization and objectification of women in the music industry have been an ongoing issue for years. Despite the industry’s progress towards body positivity and female empowerment, there are still remnants of antiquated marketing tactics that prioritize the physical appearance of female artists over their musical abilities. <br /> Read the rest at <a onclick="$('#phonebook-category-no-city').val($(this).text());" class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://countrymusicnewsblog.com/dump-truck-country-and-other-bullshi/">CountryMusicNewsBlog</a><br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Music Country - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - In the past few weeks, it has become clear that social distancing and quarantining are the new normal. This is an overwhelming time as we attempt to adjust our mindsets and schedules - between working from home, watching after the kids, keeping up with the news, and maintaining sanity, it can be a challenge to prioritize your physical and mental health. Here are some tips on how to stay active in these strange and unprecedented times. <br /> <br /> Make a plan<br /> <br /> It's always easier to commit to a healthy habit if you make it part of your routine. At the beginning of each week, take a look at your schedule and find those windows where you could realistically squeeze in a workout. Set a reminder on your phone or even add the workout to your calendar to keep yourself accountable. <br /> <br /> Try a meal delivery service<br /> <br /> It may be difficult to cook healthy meals every day, especially if you can't get what you need from the grocery store. Having healthy food delivered safely to your door can alleviate the stress and hassle of cooking, plus having healthy options in the house will keep you from overeating and reaching for junk food. South Beach Diet, for example, offers fully nutritionally balanced, prepared meals and snacks that make it easy to keep your diet on track. <br /> <br /> Take breaks from work<br /> <br /> It can be tempting to sit around all day while you're working from home, but don't let yourself stay sedentary for too long. Get away from your workspace and move around every hour or so to get your blood flowing. This will help you to stay sharp and healthy during social isolation. If you're taking a phone call, stand up and allow yourself to pace around. Try to get up every hour and take a few steps around the house, stretch, or even do a few jumping jacks. <br /> <br /> Stream, stream, stream<br /> <br /> As gyms and workout studios are necessarily closed for the moment, many fitness brands and instructors are using Instagram live to hold virtual classes. If you have a favorite local studio or a favorite instructor, check out their website or social media to see if they are hosting any online classes. Many fitness brands are also offering extended free trials to access their libraries of workout videos. <br /> <br /> Go for a walk or run<br /> <br /> Of course, we are all limiting our trips outside to the grocery store, gas station, or anywhere else we might come in close contact with others. But if you are able to safely run or walk while keeping distance from your neighbors, those are great options for staying active, clearing your mind, and getting some fresh air.<br /> <br /> "It's so important to find those moments of joy outdoors while we're all social distancing," says Jessie James Decker, mother of three and South Beach Diet brand ambassador. "Whatever that means for you - whether it's a stroll around the neighborhood with the kids or a long run to clear your head - you'll feel so much better if you make the time for it." <br /> <br /> Keep your mind active<br /> <br /> Just as our bodies need physical activity to stay healthy, our minds need stimulation (beyond reality TV binge sessions) to stay sharp as well. Group activities such as board games or puzzles are a great option for keeping your mind sharp while clocking some quality time with your family or roommates.<br /> <br /> For more tips on how to stay healthy and active while social distancing, check out <a target='_blank' href="https://palm.southbeachdiet.com.">https://palm.southbeachdiet.com.</a><br /> <br /> Ref: How To - in Blogs

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The Importance of Breakfast<br /> <br /> In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel like a daunting task. However, one of the simplest yet most impactful habits you can adopt is starting your day with a nutritious breakfast. This small act not only sets a positive tone for the rest of your day but also provides numerous health benefits that contribute to your overall well-being.<br /> <br /> Why Breakfast Matters<br /> Breakfast is rightly hailed as the most important meal of the day for several reasons. After a night of fasting, your body needs essential nutrients to replenish its energy reserves and kick-start your metabolism. A balanced breakfast fuels your body and mind, improving concentration, mood, and productivity throughout the day. Research consistently shows that people who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and make better food choices later in the day.<br /> <br /> Components of a Healthy Breakfast<br /> A healthy breakfast should include a variety of nutrients to ensure optimal functioning:<br /> <br /> Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains like oats, whole wheat bread, or quinoa provide sustained energy and fiber, which aids digestion.<br /> <br /> Protein: Eggs, yogurt, nuts, or lean meats offer essential amino acids that help repair and build tissues, support immune function, and keep you feeling full longer.<br /> <br /> Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil provide essential fatty acids that support brain function and heart health.<br /> <br /> Fruits and Vegetables: These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants crucial for overall health and disease prevention.<br /> <br /> Tips for a Balanced Breakfast<br /> Plan Ahead: Prepare breakfast items the night before to save time in the morning.<br /> <br /> Avoid Sugary Foods: Opt for whole fruits instead of fruit juices or sugary cereals to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels.<br /> <br /> Hydrate: Start your day with a glass of water to hydrate your body after hours of sleep.<br /> <br /> Listen to Your Body: Eat when you feel hungry, and pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating.<br /> <br /> Incorporating Breakfast into Your Routine<br /> If you find it challenging to eat breakfast due to time constraints or lack of appetite in the morning, start with small, manageable portions. Smoothies packed with fruits, vegetables, and protein are convenient options for those on the go. Alternatively, try incorporating breakfast foods into your mid-morning snack, such as yogurt with granola or a piece of whole fruit.<br /> <br /> Conclusion<br /> By making breakfast a priority in your daily routine, you not only enhance your physical health but also boost your mental and emotional well-being. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is built on consistent habits, and breakfast is a cornerstone that sets the tone for the rest of your day. Embrace this simple yet powerful practice, and watch as it transforms your energy levels, focus, and overall quality of life. <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Health - in Blogs</span>