Looking to Start Your Day Off Right? Try These Winning Foods for Breakfast
While it may sound cliche, it is true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is the meal that breaks the overnight fast and delivers the energy that you need to get your day going. This makes it important that you choose foods that are as nutritious as possible.
Here are six of the best foods to keep in your breakfast meal rotation so that you will enjoy optimal health and endless energy.
Eggs
Eggs are packed full of nutrients, including all of the essential amino acids that your body needs to fuel your muscles and keep you feeling full until lunch time. Because eggs are high in protein, they also help to regulate your blood sugar levels. You can enjoy eggs as your main entree along with some vegetables in an omelet or try pairing them with a side of fruit or whole-grain toast. For a quick breakfast on the go, consider making a batch of hard-boiled eggs to keep in your refrigerator for the week.
Plain Greek Yogurt
While many people reach for sugary yogurt to start their day, you are doing your body a disservice with this meal choice. Instead, you are better off going with plain Greek yogurt and adding your own toppings to slightly sweeten the taste. Good topping ideas to make plain yogurt more palatable include a dollop of honey, a handful of whole-grain granola, or fresh fruit. Yogurt supports a healthy digestive system while also providing an abundance of calcium, protein, and probiotics. Along with fruit and a whole grain food item, you will have a complete breakfast meal that will keep you going for hours.
Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oats are made from whole oat kernels that are chopped small. These oats are bursting with fiber that offers you sustained energy for hours. This means that you will not experience that dreaded energy crash that comes from eating simple carbs instead of complex carbs. The specific type of fiber in steel cut oats, known as beta-glucan, also helps to improve cholesterol levels. Steel cut oats are extremely versatile, providing a good base for either a sweet or a savory meal. Top them with a dash of brown sugar for something sweet to start your day or add a poached egg for something more savory.
Berries
Berries are a natural fit for breakfast. Regardless of if you choose strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, these sweet morsels are known for their high level of antioxidants. If berries are not in season, try the frozen varieties that pack just as much of a nutritional punch. There is no limit to how you can incorporate berries into your morning meal routine. Eat them straight up as an accompaniment to eggs or toast, stir them into your pancake batter, use them as a topping for cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt, or blend them into a smoothie. Berries are low in calories and fat, but high in vitamins and fiber.
Avocado
What was once off limits for breakfast is now a staple for breakfast for many health-conscious individuals. Avocados are now a cornerstone of many breakfast meals. This fruit provides a hefty dose of unsaturated fat, loads of folate, fiber, and more. The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin help to support eye health. There are a variety of ways that you can enjoy avocados in the morning. Mix it in with your omelet, spread it on toast, or add it to your morning smoothie.
Nuts
Nuts are a great snack or addition to a meal at any time of the day. Grab a handful to enjoy with the rest of your breakfast or use them as a complementing ingredient to your meal. Sprinkle them on top of cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal for an added layer of crunch and texture. You can also mix them into pancake, waffle, or muffin batter. Nuts provide a boost to your cardiovascular system with their prevalence of omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts have also been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
There is no limit to the fun that you can have with your breakfast meals when you think outside of the box. These ideas should get you started as you begin to harness the power of breakfast.