Breakfast, breakfast, breakfast. We’ve all heard that it’s the most important meal of the day. But why? And how do you eat a healthy breakfast if life is operating at light speed? Here’s why breakfast is healthy for you and how you can work better breakfast ideas into your morning (that don’t involve a drive-thru).
The WHY. Every morning is a new opportunity to nutritionally start the day in a way that benefits your body. What you eat after waking can make a huge difference in the rest of your day. Too often breakfast is a side thought, grab some cereal, grab some coffee (that’s not breakfast BTW), or grab something tasty on the way to wherever you are going. And then, many wonder why they feel crummy by lunch or don’t seem to have enough energy to type an email.
Giving your body what it really needs in the morning is a recipe for success. While it may take a little planning on your part, it will go a long way in boosting your physical and mental health. Breakfast is the first moment your body has to replenish glucose and other elements in your body after sleeping. These elements provide lasting energy and alertness and can set the tone for the day.
Healthy breakfast foods are typically high in vitamins and minerals the body needs. That’s why people who make a healthy breakfast an important part of their day not only achieve better nutritional absorption but have lower risks of obesity and type 2 Diabetes. Studies also show that healthy breakfast eaters typically have better mental alertness throughout the day. Okay, that all sounds great, but how does one make breakfast worthy enough? Especially, if you’re a notorious breakfast skipper or just don’t have time, a little planning can go a long way.
The HOW. Here’s the important part. How do you make it happen? Plan ahead, just a little. Be sure to have nutritious breakfast foods available to you. Pick out a few recipes to try and get good at making them. Sitting down to enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast is a great motivator for getting out of bed and gives you some time to warm up for the day. Here are a few ideas:
Toast Warriors: some folks just want a little toast in the morning. If that’s you, great! Let’s make what kind of toast you eat and what you put on it count. Toast doesn’t have to be boring and it can be dressed up in ways that get you excited about actually eating breakfast! Choose whole grain breads that are rich in fiber. If you can have nuts and seeds, finding bread with those baked in is a great way to add a healthy dose of selenium to your diet. Top your toast with an egg, peanut butter or other type of protein-rich food, and you have a nutritious and filling meal! Here are some helpful and super easy ideas for toast breakfast options. Oatmeal is another great way to go in the morning. Try different varieties of plain oatmeal and top with fruit instead of sugar.
Meat Warriors: Make it count. Eating a protein-rich breakfast can help to keep your mind alert and body operating. But it can be easy to go overboard in the protein department. While bacon, sausage and all of those sizzling goodies are delicious and perfectly acceptable choices, be aware that they contain lots of sodium and fat and should be enjoyed in moderation. Eggs, on the other hand, are a breakfast champion. They can be dressed up, dressed down, flipped over or boiled. Just about anything you want, eggs can be included. Outside of providing important protein, eggs are rich in iron, B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin D — just to name a few! Eggs also can be prepared ahead of time, including in muffin form that’s easy to store and warm up! Here are a few egg breakfast ideas.
The bottom line is that you can start the day off a whole lot better by eating a healthy breakfast. It doesn’t have to be big and fancy, just beneficial. At Wanae, we strive to make life better for everyone with supplements designed to help you live a happier and healthier life.