Almost everyone treats breakfast as the least important meal of the day. It never gets the attention it deserves. Dinner, on the other hand, is the kind of meal that should always be light and healthy, but we end up overeating at the dinner table (great way to gain weight since the body does not burn the calories readily, after all, you will be going to bed soon). Furthermore, we wake up the next morning ‘not feeling hungry’ for breakfast. This is the single biggest mistake for anyone trying to lose weight. A meal that is grossly underrated, breakfast ‘breaks your overnight fast’ and is therefore the most important meal for the day. It allows you to begin the day with energy and vitality.
Isn’t it an irony that a timely and nutritious breakfast is a rarity for most of us? You may be a busy corporate executive or a top-level athlete, the importance of breakfast remains the same for everyone. Let us analyze the role that breakfast plays in our life.
Here are the basic truths about that first meal of the day:
Skipping breakfast won’t make you thinner.
Skipping this meal will usually cause you to eat more for lunch and / or dinner. If you start the day without a meal don’t be surprised if you feel tired, lethargic and easily fatigued later in the day. It’s almost like driving to work with no gas. The best strategy for keeping your weight in check and your energy level high is to fuel yourself evenly throughout the day. Eat a good breakfast, moderate lunch, and light dinner, (as well as small snacks in between, if you feel hungry). In particular, if you are about to have a hectic day, it becomes even more important to eat a good breakfast. If you starve your body by avoiding breakfast, it will begin to lose muscle (something you do not want) and retaining fat. The interesting thing is that muscle weighs more than fat, which means that dieting (skipping breakfast) may show up as weight loss on the scale. However, most dieters can become weaker although they may become smaller if they rely on dieting exclusively as a means to lose weight.
Breakfast enables you to function better.
Recent research results showed that children who skip breakfast are less able to concentrate in studies and in play. Their ability to perform complex tasks is impaired. The effects were similar in adults. As an experiment, change (improve) your breakfast habits for 2 days. You will then understand the impact that breakfast has on your day.
Cereals and fruits are still the best.
According to the National Cancer Institute of America, “diets high in fibre and low in fat, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals with low fat cheese or butter may reduce the risk of cancer.” Daily fibre intake should be 20 to 30 grams. Insoluble fibre, the kind found in whole wheat bread and wheat-based bran cereals, helps lower the risk of colon cancer and speeds up digestion. Soluble fibre, found in oat bran and fruit, helps lower blood cholesterol, and may reduce the risk of coronary ailments.
Start your day with a piece of fruit, a glass of milk / coffee and some high fiber bread. You can enjoy your breakfast while driving!
So try these simple suggestions and kickstart your day with a healthy breakfast!
Posts Tagged ‘Healthy’
Healthy Breakfast – The Most Important Meal of the Day
Category Food And Beverage
A Healthy Kids Breakfast: It Can Be Done!
Category Food And Beverage
Do you struggle trying to get your children fueled with a healthy breakfast? If you’re like me, getting your kids dressed in a matching outfit, getting the homework together, and getting the kids out the door is a struggle, let alone making sure our children get in a nutritious breakfast.
If you’re looking for some fast, easy, and nutritious breakfast ideas, then I have some fantastic ideas for you! Read below for some delicious breakfasts I prepare for my own children. Not only are they fast, easy, and nutritious, but my kids say they taste great too!
A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #1: Cereal
Yes, this is a given but how many of us parents give in to sugary cereal to appease our kids? Cut out the sugar and make sure your kid’s cereal includes whole grains and no sugar. My kids, in the beginning, weren’t too pleased about cutting out the sugar until I brought out the fresh blueberries and strawberries to adorn the tops of their cereal!
A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #2: Eggs, Toast & Fruit
Another given but one that may take more time than some of us parent’s have in the morning! I like hard boiling some eggs ahead of time and having them ready to go in the refrigerator. But them into little sections, throw some whole grain toast into the toaster, cut up some fruit, and you’ll have a nutritious breakfast that will get your child through the day.
A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #3: Yogurt with Granola
My kids LOVE this and it is just too easy to make! Pour some low-fat yogurt into a bowl and sprinkle it was some low-fat, low-sugar granola. Your child will think they’re eating dessert it is so tasty! This is a fabulous option that is so quick and easy.
A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #4: Fruit Smoothie
This is a great breakfast if your kids need to take it to go. Simply throw some frozen or fresh fruits (like blueberries, peaches, strawberries, bananas, or any other fruit you enjoy), some juice (like orange juice), and vanilla yogurt into a blender and blend away. Pour your smoothie into a to-go cup and your child will be fueled with some nutritious nutrients!
A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #5: French Toast
Dip some whole-grain bread into a little egg, some milk, nutmeg, and cinnamon and cook them in a skillet. Top the french toast with some fresh fruit, some low-fat yogurt, or sugar-free syrup for a great tasting and nutritious breakfast option. Kids really love french toast and will gobble this up!
A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #6: Muffins
This is easy! Once a week, I bake my own muffins and stick them in the freezer to give to my kids. On those busy mornings, I just pop one into the microwave and breakfast is done! Add a glass of milk and you have a filling and tasty breakfast. Make sure the muffins are whole wheat, low in sugar, and filled with ingredients that are healthy.