But, many morning choices are not healthy. Muffins and pastries are packed with sugars. These will give you an instant burst, but once the sugars have burned off, which is fairly quickly, you're left feeling sluggish, drained, and sometimes irritable. What you want to select in the morning is a meal that will sustain you. And so, in honor of Family Wellness Month, we're going to share a few healthy alternatives that will help you power through those first hours of the day.
Here are five healthy breakfast choices that will give your body the boost it needs in the morning.
Oatmeal, flaxseed, blueberries, and almonds. What a perfect combination! Whether you've stashed a box of instant oatmeal in your desk that you can make quickly in the office, or you've set aside the time in the morning to cook up some old-fashioned oats, oatmeal is a great breakfast choice. By topping it off with ground flaxseed, fruit, and almonds, you're adding good fats, proteins, fiber, and nutrients to your bowl—and your body.
Seasonal fruits, low-fat yogurt, and granola. Although great year round, this is an especially tasty breakfast in the summer. There's a wider selection of fresh fruits in season so you can alternate.
Grapefruit with whole-wheat and almond butter toast. Half a grapefruit in the morning is a great way to start your day. Grapefruit adds a boost to your metabolism, and almond butter is a lower-fat alternative to peanut butter that's packed with protein.
Scrambled egg whites and vegetables. Eggs are a wonderful source of protein. If you can find the time in the morning to scramble some up, opt for the whites—they're healthier. And, don't forget to add some veggies. Peppers, onions, tomatoes, or another favorite, will contribute to a hearty breakfast that will keep hunger at bay, and your focus sharp until the lunch bell rings. Alternative: Try soft tofu instead of eggs. (Medium or hard varieties of tofu won't have the same texture as scrambled eggs, and might be difficult to crumble.)
"Fancy" protein shake. This is perfect for the morning person in a rush. Throw some frozen berries into your blender with maybe a little flax seed or peanut butter, splash low-fat milk or soy milk on top, and then add your choice of whey or soy protein, hit blend, and away you go. These shakes are pretty filling, too, so not only are you fueling your body for a great start, but you're also putting snack urges at bay for a few hours.
For ten healthy breakfast ideas for kids, click here.
