Breakfast used to be such a struggle.

It all came down to the word “should.” While I crave sweet every morning, I told myself that I should be getting my nutrients. In an effort to keep the sugar down, I’d make eggs or oatmeal and hate every bite. Those foods work great for me later in the day, but I just couldn’t get down with it.

Then I discovered the protein-packed smoothie. It was like a dream come true. Not only could I have my sweet breakfast, but it would also keep me full all morning. Plus, controlling the sugar content was pretty much up to me. As soon as this revelation occurred, I began blending up my favorite flavor combinations. And really, what’s better than peanut butter, chocolate and banana in the morning?

The problem with breakfast is that it has to happen quickly for most of us. We’d love to take our time, but reality interferes. My morning routine is pretty set. I get up around four, work out for an hour, throw breakfast together and bring it in the car with me to take to work. I have absolutely no time to sit around, read the paper, and cook something. And the snooze button? Nope, never used that. It seems like a torturous concept to me. Why would you prolong getting up over and over?

My kids are in a similar position when it comes to being rushed. I don’t see them in the morning because my job starts earlier than their school, but they still have to be out the door very early, and Kenny needs to keep it simple. Easy is a must!

When I was growing up, I had cereal pretty much every day. It fed into my sweet cravings, but I always wound up hungry an hour later. That’s no way to live, people.

After several years of messing up my breakfast choices, I learned about protein. After a workout, it’s actually ideal to eat (0r drink) a protein-fueled breakfast. It helps with muscle recovery, and it also helps keep you nice and full through a long morning at work.

Now, my day starts with a protein-packed smoothie just like this one. Carnation Breakfast Essentials® (visit them on Facebook!) is encouraging everyone to adopt nutritious habits this month with their 7-day Challenge. Interested? Here’s the info:

1. Sign up at CarnationBreakfastChallenge.com.

2. Complete a simple yet fun breakfast mission for a chance to win. New prizes will be revealed every day!

3. Come back any day in February to complete missions and see new prizes. The prizes range from a Fitbit to a GoPro and other awesome stuff!

4. Head to your favorite store to purchase a Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Nutritional Product and upload your receipt for five extra entries per day.

You can use the powder to make a smoothie, or if you’re in a hurry, Carnation Breakfast Essentials® also makes ready-to-go bottles. It’s up to you! You can get Carnation Breakfast Essentials® in a variety of flavors (I picked mine up at Walmart, where I can literally find everything I need), so the options are endless. Personally, no morning for me is complete without chocolate, and adding frozen banana chunks and creamy peanut butter just makes everything wonderful!

The key to a good day is starting it off right. I like to do that with exercise and a quick yet nourishing breakfast. What about you? How do you start your day? Share your tips below. Here’s to a great start to an even greater week!