Yes, it is true – Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating a healthy balanced breakfast within 1 hour of rising is the best way rev up your metabolism. A balanced breakfast combining complex carbohydrates and protein leaves you feeling satisfied and energized for many hours. The days of making poor lunchtime decisions due to starvation are over! Try one of these healthy balanced breakfast options before you start a hectic day.
CEREALS:
GOOD OPTIONS
Hot Cereals mixed with flax meal, nuts, and/or protein powder
Examples: Hearty Oatmeal Recipe, Quinoa Hot Cereal
Why: These options contain true whole grains loaded with fiber and have added protein to aid in digestion and balance blood sugar for many hours.
Cold Cereals topped with chopped nuts
Examples: Barbara’s High Fiber Cereal, Ezeckial Cereals, or Puffed Millet or Brown Rice Cereal (Gluten Free)
Why: These cereals are made with a variety of whole grains and loads of fiber. Once you add a little nuts (protein and healthy fat), you have a balanced breakfast that will hold you over for hours.
BAD IDEAS
Individually Packaged Flavored Oatmeal
Why: These are made without whole grain ingredients and contain an ample amount of sugar that will leave you feeling hungry soon after mealtime.
Processed Cold Cereals
Examples: Rice Krispies, Kix, Honey Bunches of Oats, and many more
Why: These tasty cereals may give you many claims about whole grains, calories or vitamins, but the truth is that these are processed cereals will spike your blood sugar and will not fuel your metabolism.
OTHER BREAKFAST OPTIONS:
Pancakes: SURPRISE! Eating pancakes is no longer against the rules as long as you use whole grain or brown rice flour mixes. Try adding some protein powder or nut flour to your mix for some added protein. Also remember to swap out the crappy syrup for a drizzle of agave or a natural fruit topping. See my healthy and hearty pancake recipe.
Peanut Butter Toast: Use real whole grain bread (Example: Sprouted Ezeckial bread) or brown rice cakes and spread on your favorite nut butter for a simple 5 minute meal. Top with a few slices of strawberries or some blueberries for some added sweetness. And consider sprinkling on some hempseeds for some extra protein and all your essential amino acids.
Cinna-yam: It may not be your most typical breakfast, but I just tried this quick yam recipe and it is a delicious breakfast option. Yams and sweet potatoes contain tons of vitamin A and fiber so they are the perfect complex carbohydrate. Just add some coconut oil, cinnamon, walnuts and pecans for lots of flavor, protein, and healthy fat to hold you over.
Leave a Reply