The Proper Breakfast Meal

Wanna Know What to Eat for Breakfast? Read This.

   So, most of you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It starts your metabolism and gets you going. But to get you going, it is important to know what to eat. Many of us Americans are busy with our lives and sometimes barely have enough time to eat in the mornings, and I completely understand that. However, my goal in this entry is help you with your food choices in the mornings that are quick and easy. Let's get started!
   
   First off, I need to clarify exactly why you should eat breakfast. 
Besides starting your metabolism, breakfast is really helps control your appetite for the day and helps keep you full longer. Breakfast prevents excessive snacking, especially in the morning when you're completely starving. Plus, with the obesity epidemic, eating breakfast can help you LOSE WEIGHT! Whaaaat? People who eat breakfast start their metabolism, tend to eat less calories during the day and also do less empty-calorie snacking. There's so many more reasons why breakfast can help you lose weight but let's continue.


Soooo, what exactly should you eat for breakfast?
a) Protein.
   Protein gives you energy for the day to help keep you going.
   Also, protein is full of amino acids, which are the main parts of protein and metabolism (hmm...there's that word again, which is a good thing). But www.fi.edu says it better: "Amino acids that come from the protein you eat are the building blocks of your brain’s network." Therefore, protein keeps your brain and mind focused throughout the day and is essential for breakfast.


b) Carbohydrates.
   Wait, what? Carbs? Yes, carbs. And I'm not talking about the sugary-cereal carbs or the "breakfast pastries." I'm talking about the carbs that are high in fiber and come from good sources, like fruit or whole wheat bread. The good carbs are great sources of nutrients, energy, and fiber. Besides giving you energy and nutrients, fiber is a big one because it is good for you and fills you up.


"But I really hate breakfast. It's so boring!" Not with these yummy recipes and ideas! Here are some easy, quick ones.
1) Banana and a nut butter (i.e. peanut butter, almond butter, etc.)
2) Whole wheat bread, a nut butter, a thin layer of honey (to give it some kick), and strawberries on top (or bananas, or both!)
3) Oatmeal: Oats, milk, walnuts or any type of nut, any type of fruit(s), granola (optional)
4) Low sugar, whole grain cereal with bananas, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
5) Smoothies! This one's my favorite: 1 cup pomegranate juice, 1 cup milk/almond milk, 1 cup strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, 3-5 small carrots, and an optional 1 scoop protein powder
6) Whole wheat toast with with egg whites
7) "Burrito:" Whole wheat tortilla, spinach (optional), tomatoes (optional), cheese, bacon (if you're not a vegetarian ;)), egg whites
8) Plain Greek yogurt with granola and your favorite fruit in it
9) Fruit and a meat (a fresh, healthy, safe meat please ;))
10) Cottage cheese with any of your favorite fruits and nuts
NOTE: If you're wanting to eat a regular egg (not egg whites), make a poached egg. 


These are packed with protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. You'll be ready to go in the morning with these fun ideas. I hope this helps! Blessings to all ~
   -Caroline