They always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why?
During the night, your metabolism shuts down and goes into auto-drive. Breakfast is like the key to your metabolism engine. Starting up your day with a healthy breakfast will jump-start your metabolism and start burning calories and fat at a higher rate than those who skip out on breakfast.
Researchers have proven that it helps in loosing weight. Now, that doesn’t make sense! You would think that skipping breakfast would lead to fewer calories in your one’s diet, but it’s not the case. While one might not be eating those calories in the morning, they are more opt to reach for that mid-morning cookie in the office or eat a larger lunch than they normally would. One also has to take into account that speeding up the metabolism in the morning gives more time for calorie burning throughout the day.
So, what does a good breakfast consist of?
PROTEIN and FIBER! Protein can come from low fat meats, eggs, beans or dairy. Fiber can be found in whole grains, vegetables and fruits.These will keep you full till lunchtime.
No wonder my stomach starts growling an hour after I eat fruity-pebbles… not only is my metabolism going strong, but it doesn’t consist of the necessary protein or fiber needed to keep me full.
Here is a list of breakfast ideas that will keep you full and help you loose weight:
- Whole-Grain Toast with peanut butter
These carbs are full of fiber and the peanut butter not only consists of healthy omega-3 fatty acids but protein
- Vegetable Omelets
Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and fiber. The eggs give you protein. I love eat beaters. You can simple through them in a cup with your vegetable and some laughing cow cheese. Cook them in the microwave for a fast breakfast.
- Egg Sandwich
Whole-Wheat English muffin, fat free cheese, beat beaters, and lean-turkey bacon
- Oatmeal or Oat-Bran Cereal with Low-Fat Milk.
Watch for those full of sugar… I use plain Quaker oats and add splenda with raisins. These are soluble fibers, which keep your blood sugar even.
- Low Fat Yogurt and an Apple
A great source of calcium with natural probiotics and the apple provides high fiber!
- Grapefruit with whole-wheat toast & almond butter
Grapefruit is great for breakfast because it has a low glycemic effect to keep blood sugar levels stable. This prevents blood sugar from crashing an hour later and therefore needing to reach for that donut. The toast and almond butter provides great fiber while adding essential fats to last longer throughout the day.
- Cottage cheese and fruit
Cottage cheese is a great source of protein. Just be careful for the sodium levels. Cottage cheese is infamous for their sodium levels! Combine with fruit fro the perfect combination of fiber and protein!
I know many of you out there enjoy your sleep and wake up with just enough time to throw on some clothes and hit the road. Or some of you just don’t like to eat in the morning. Here is an idea to help you get your metabolism going. Cook up a few hard-boiled eggs and store them in the refrigerator. Grab one on the way to work and an hour or two later, take a break from work and snack on an apple and a handful of healthy nuts like pecans or walnuts.
What is your favorite healthy breakfast?
Photos:
Image: Paul / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Great job Ruth….
My favorite breakfast, breakfast tacos or quesadillas I make myself. I usually use those Mission low carb whole wheat tortillas, egg white and one whole egg, O’brien hash brown potatoes. Sometimes I like to throw in some Morning Star Farms veggie bacon or sausage. And of course, a lil fruit on the side.
Thanks for the breakfast idea. I love it. I am going to have to try it. I love the Mission low carb whole wheat tortillas. Great way to save calories!
breakfast foods should always be high in protein and also in carbohydrates, we need food energy during the early morning *’:
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