How to build a healthy school breakfast

Getting your kids to eat something before school isn't always easy, but building a healthier back-to-school meal may start with just two key components.

"It's really important to give them something with a protein and something with a carbohydrate. Preferably a whole grain or a piece of fruit, something that will fill them up and keep them full when they go in for that first class of the day," said Cleveland Clinic registered dietician Jennifer Willoughby.

Nutritionists say some Greek yogurt and a handful of high-fiber cereal is a great choice before class.

Adding a piece of fruit makes it that much better because of the fiber content, which will make kids feel fuller, longer.

A piece of whole wheat toast with some peanut butter is another option, so is oatmeal with nuts mixed in.

A hard-boiled egg also works.

The key is that combination of protein and a carbohydrate to fuel the body. Another benefit? A healthy breakfast can be quick and easy.

"It doesn't take a lot of effort. Have things ready in the morning that they can just grab and go, even if they do something as simple as a glass of low-fat milk and a baggie of cereal on their way to school. You still want to have that pairing there, but it can be easy, it can be fun," Willoughby said.

One thing kids should always have before the start of their school day? A glass of milk. That's because juices can be really high in sugar.