There’s a lot to be said for a healthy breakfast. It provides the fuel you need to start the day. That is, of course, if you eat healthy food. Starting the day with a sweet roll and coffee isn’t exactly what a healthy breakfast includes. It should include carbohydrates and protein. The protein will help you shed weight by keeping you feeling full until lunch and providing energy as it approaches. The carbohydrates provide the body and brain with fuel immediately so you have thinking power and energy.
If you workout in the morning, you might want to wait to eat breakfast.
A snack before you workout can be good, especially if you’re hungry and normally eat when you first get up. It gives you the energy for a good workout. However, don’t eat too much. That can cause indigestion and leave you feeling sick, particularly if you’re doing a high intensity workout. Save the big meal for after the workout and make sure it has enough protein. An egg with two or three turkey link sausages could offer enough for most people in the morning.
A healthy breakfast is good for the heart and blood sugar levels.
Seriously, if your blood sugar levels are low from not eating or eating something sugary then spiking and dropping like a rock, you’re not going to be at your best—emotionally, physically or mentally. If you notice people taking the long way to their office destination to avoid walking past your desk, it might be because your blood sugar is low and you’re grumpy. Studies show low blood sugar is bad for the heart. Other studies show that people who skip breakfast tend to have atherosclerosis, high cholesterol levels, weigh more, have bigger waistlines and higher blood pressure.
Getting that combination of food that’s great for breakfast can be quite simple.
You don’t have to make a big stack of pancakes with a side of bacon or sausage to get the breakfast combination of protein and carbs. In fact, I really don’t recommend it. A boiled egg provides protein, a piece of fresh fruit can provide carbs. There you have it, a breakfast on the go. Nuts and seeds are also sources of protein, just as yogurt or cottage cheese. Oatmeal is a healthy option that’s complete if you add milk.
- Skipping breakfast often leads to snacking on unhealthy foods mid day or gobbling more than you should at lunch.
- Some people simply can’t tolerate breakfast or wait to eat later as part of intermittent fasting. Having healthy snacks available, like peanut or cashew butter and apples or celery with raisins is a good idea.
- Studies show a healthy breakfast can boost the grades of school-aged children and help them learn more and focus.
- Plan ahead for a healthy breakfast. Make hard boiled eggs on Sunday night so you have them ready for the week or get all the ingredients for a healthy smoothie or Greek yogurt, fruit and nut/seed cup.