Breakfast is an important way to start a day. The body needs fuel for the work head – especially in athletes.

But according to studies, one in four teenagers skip breakfast regularly, citing a lack of time most often as why.

Kait Fortunato on Stack.com recently offered on-the-go breakfast ideas that are fast, simple, tasty and nutritious that young athletes can put together quickly and still have time to catch the bus or hop in a car and get to school on time.

• Peanut butter sandwich with fruit. Two pieces of bread, a scoop of peanut butter, a banana, and you’re off. Filled with omega 3 and heart-healthy fats, it’s easy to throw together, grab and get out the door. For anyone who needs to save an extra hand, cut that banana up and put it right on the sandwich. It was good enough for Elvis. (Ask your parents).
• Overnight oats. This one takes a little planning the night before. Take an equal amount of raw oats and either milk or yogurt. Mix them together and let them sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, mix in nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, granola … whatever you like.
• Yogurt parfait. Using any yogurt as the base, add fruit, cereal, granola and/or nuts. The combination of healthy fats, carbohydrates and protein will keep a stomach satiated until lunchtime.
• Cereal trail mix. Eating a bowl of cereal on the go can get messy. Instead, mix together dry cereal, nuts and dried fruit in a bag to take with you. If you have a small carton of milk to go with it, that can add to the flavor and protein level.
• Hard boiled eggs. There’s no time to cook up eggs many mornings, so get all the nutrients in one hand-held snack. Teens or their parents can boil up a dozen at a time and have them in the refrigerator when needed. Grab a couple and out the door.

SEE ALSO: 5 healthy snacks that take less than 10 minutes to prepare

SEE ALSO: 3 carb-filled pasta dishes to feed hungry postgame athletes