Breakfast is probably my most favorite meal! I love everything about it. I’ve always been a breakfast eater so by the time morning rolls around my stomach is growling and I’m ready to eat! I know that for many people breakfast isn’t a priority, but let me tell you, it should be. You are really doing your body a disservice if you skip this crazy important meal, so just don’t. Please. If you need some convincing for why breakfast is THAT important, here you go:
4 Reasons Why YOU Should Be a Breakfast Eater
[1] Eating breakfast can help you lose weight.
Let’s break it down. Breakfast literally means that you are “breaking” a “fast” from not eating all night. As you sleep your body’s metabolism will naturally slow down, but with your first meal the next day, your metabolism is kicked into high gear and you start burning calories. So, if you don’t break your fast in the morning by eating something, your metabolism will continue to be sluggish, meaning you’ll burn fewer calories throughout the day. Breakfast eaters tend to burn more calories throughout the day compared to non breakfast eaters, but it does depend WHAT you eat for breakfast, so make it healthy!
[2] Eating breakfast can help curve unhealthy cravings throughout the day.
Many people who are trying to lose weight or get healthy still think that eating fewer calories is the only way to reach a weight loss goal. Wrong! It’s all about eating enough of the right foods. If you are someone who skips breakfast, chances are you get extremely hungry later in the day and into the evening. That may be because your body simply hasn’t had enough nourishment throughout the day. The problem with not eating enough throughout the day is that the cravings start to show up in full force. Cravings for sweets, junk food, fried food, etc. leading to a binge on the least healthy foods for your body. Simply eating a healthy, protein packed breakfast can lead to sustained energy and diminished junk food cravings later in the day. Give it a try!
[3] Eating a balanced breakfast can increase your energy.
Eating in general can boost your energy, but the right kinds of foods will keep you energized instead of leaving you tired and hungry an hour later. It’s so important to boost your energy first thing in the morning so you can get started on the right foot. Food = energy. Without healthy whole foods you’re energy will be lacking in addition to your concentration, mood, attitude, etc. A healthy breakfast is one that contains a balance of protein, healthy fats, complex carbs and fiber.
A balanced breakfast can include any of the following:
Protein | organic whole eggs, raw nuts + seeds, plant-based protein powder [Vega®, SunWarrior®, Garden of Life® are all good brands that I have both tried and liked!]
Healthy Fats | avocado, raw nuts + seeds, nut/seed butters, grass-fed butter, coconut oil
Complex Carbs + Fiber | sweet potatoes, oats, quinoa, whole grain bread, whole fruit
[4] Breakfast is delicious!
Yes it is! On the sweeter side you’ve got oatmeal that you can load with nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, fruit, etc. or a super healthy green smoothie. And if you’re a salty or savory breakfast lover, you can’t beat some eggs sautéed with veggies and sweet potatoes, or a homemade egg sandwich on whole grain bread. You want to enjoy breakfast, so find something that you like and are willing to make! For you busy folks, try making breakfast ahead of time so you just have to grab and go in the morning – no cooking required. Some great make ahead breakfasts includes smoothies [Super Green Smoothie, Banana Nut Smoothie], Super Green Overnight Oats, hard boiled eggs, homemade trail mix [raw nuts, seeds, unsweetened dried fruit or coconut flakes].
Quick + Easy Breakfast Ideas [no excuses to skip breakfast anymore!]
Super Green Smoothie
Banana Nut Smoothie
Super Green Overnight Oats
Egg Muffins
Whole Grain Toast + Nut Butter
My favorite toast is Ezekiel sprouted grain bread. You can usually find it in the health food freezer section of your grocery store. To my toast I add sunflower or almond butter, a good dusting of cinnamon and hemp seeds for some protein!
Cacao-Cherry Baked Oatmeal
You really can’t go wrong with a breakfast like this! Make a batch on Sunday and you have a healthy + delicious breakfast for the entire week.
Egg, Avocado + Spinach Breakfast Sandwich
I fry up 2 organic, pastured eggs and baby spinach in butter or coconut oil. Then I add my eggs and spinach to a piece of whole grain toast slathered with a little avocado and stone ground mustard, yum!
Super Simple Veggie Frittata
And if you really have no time to cook or prep breakfast, here are some easy grab and go ideas:
[1] handful raw nuts + banana
[2] apple + nut butter
[3] string cheese + piece of fruit
[4] unsweetened whole plain yogurt + berries
There you have it! There are so many delicious reasons to eat breakfast! It’s time that you start nourishing your body starting with the first meal of the day. Remember, no excuses 🙂
In health!
Angela
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