• Mayo Clinic Minute: Fueling for school

Filling up for learning is a good start, but it’s only half of your assignment.

"It’s important to have breakfast before you begin your day but also have the right type of breakfast, as well," says Dr. Tina Ardon, Mayo Clinic family medicine physician.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (0:57) is in the downloads. Read the script.

Dr. Ardon says a healthy breakfast helps improve a student’s mood and his or her level of concentration.

"Studies actually indicate, too, that people who consistently eat breakfast throughout their lives tend to be at a healthier weight, as well," she adds.

Dr. Ardon says before-school meals should include a combination of good protein, fiber and carbohydrates.

"The right combination of those ingredients is better for our kids because they release sugar over a slow period of time and help them stay fuller longer," Dr. Ardon explains.

Dr. Ardon suggests breakfasts like a vegetable breakfast burrito or a whole-grain waffle topped with peanut butter, or a parfait made with plain yogurt and real fruit. As for cereals, ...

"... I would look at the sugar content and look for cereals that have whole grains in them," says Dr. Ardon.