What you eat for breakfast can have a significant impact on your day. It can either set the tone for a day full of healthy eating and balanced meals or lead to weight gain, low energy levels, and even nutrient deficiencies over time. This is why ensuring you start your morning with a nutritious, healthy meal is essential.
But some foods marketed as breakfast foods are the worst for you. Many breakfast staples like doughnuts, pastries, and sugary cereal are high in refined carbohydrates, which can cause a big energy spike and a major sugar crash. They also tend to be very high in fat, which can lead to a wide variety of health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.
Often, these foods can be found in the bakery section of your local grocery store or even at your favorite cafe. But what if there was a healthier alternative to these tasty treats? Adding these healthy ingredients to your breakfast will provide long-lasting energy, help you feel full for longer, and give you the nutrients your body needs to keep you running efficiently throughout the day.
White bread is an everyday staple for a quick and easy breakfast, but it is not the best thing to eat first thing in the morning. It has a high glycemic index, meaning that it will spike your blood sugar, and it also contains lots of saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease. Instead, try toasting a whole wheat bagel with natural peanut butter or sliced bananas for a healthier breakfast.
Another unhealthy breakfast choice is a bowl of sugary, processed cereal. Not only is this high in added sugar, but it also has a lot of other additives and artificial flavors that can be very unhealthy for you when eaten regularly. If you must have a bowl of cereal for breakfast, go with a plain or granola option and add some fruit to your bowl.
Other foods that could be better for breakfast include greasy, fatty meats. Although eating these at other times of the day is a good idea, when you start your day with them, it can lead to an excess of calories, leading to weight gain and poor health. Try to limit these foods to once or twice per week at most, and balance them with other nourishing foods.