It's 5:30 a.m. and I have been thinking the past few days, what should be my first post for the Chicago Examiner? My name is Andrea Metcalf. My background in fitness started as a group exercise instructor in 1983, although I was always involved in moving--gymnastic, diving, track and cheerleading throughout high school, which was certainly a fitness plan though unintended. So as I reach over to open my laptop, I realize it's best to start in the morning.

Those who exercise first thing in the morning are more successful with fitting exercise into their lives. Although, from a purely hormonal stand, your body would rather have exercise between 2 o'clock and 5 p.m., statistics have proven this "early bird gets the worm and gets fitter" over and over again. Just walk into any gym or health club between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. for their busiest numbers of movers and shakers. So if you are thinking that "TODAY IS THE DAY" that you are going to start with an exercise program, get up, eat and get moving. Which may trigger the question...what do I eat for breakfast? PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE follow the rules of proper nutrition and don't just down a cafe latte!

Here are a few of my favorite breakfasts:

• On the run without planning, try for a piece of fruit, "greek" style yogurt (has more protein by far than any regular yogurt on the market--mine has 20 grams with under 200 calories!) add some Fiber One cereal (60 calories with 13 grams of fiber) and you are on you're way.
  
• Here's an idea if you a little more time: create a quick omelette! Use 3 eggs (yolks are a bit controversial so if you have high cholesterol skip the yellow and use the whites). Microwave 4 spears of asparagus for 30 seconds and then cut into small pieces, add 4 cherry tomatoes cut in half and lightly saute with pan spray so they don't stick for about 2 minutes. Add a 1 tablespoon of water to steam up the veggies and then add your eggs. Scramble and add a sprinkle of cheese if you like. Wrap it in a Mission Low Carb Balance (210 calories 20 grams of fiber) for a plate-free meal "to-go".
  

I have more choices under IDO nutrition on my website. So it is now time for me to get out of bed and out the door! I have an appointment with my yellow labrador for her morning exercise and a bit of my own too! Good morning, get moving and don't skip breakfast!