Scores of people queued in front of the law courts on Friday to get a free bowl of cereal as a nutritionist spoke about the importance of the first meal of the day.

Although the majority of people knew about the importance of breakfast, many skipped it, or simply opted for something unhealthy, nutritionist and lifestyle coach Claire Spiteri said, adding that cereal, yoghurt, fruit and milk were good ways to "break the fast".

Kelly Agius Pace, of Attard, was one of those who usually consumed something unhealthy for breakfast. The 18-year-old said she normally chose a soft drink to wake her up, despite knowing it was not the ideal way to start the day.

But the older people who were having a bowl of Nestlé Fitness seemed more willing to eat healthily in the morning. Margaret Camilleri, of Żejtun, mixes porridge oats with All Bran and Weetabix, Maryanne Sammut, of Mġarr, has toast and Paul Grech, of Sta Venera, takes fruit.

Ms Spiteri stressed the importance of not having anything laden with calories and sugar, which would lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and, consequently, more hunger and mood swings.

It was also important to have the right portion because too much of a good thing was bad. She said 50 to 60 grams of cereal, preferably with skimmed milk, was the right portion.

She pointed out that having breakfast helped switch on a person's metabolism and it was a known fact many of those who skipped breakfast ended up eating more throughout the day.

A spokesman for Nestlé, who organised the event, said almost 500 bowls of cereal were handed out between 8 and 11.30 a.m. The company will be giving away bowls of cereal in Paola on Saturday and in Cospicua on October 20.