There are many benefits to eating a healthy breakfast, but is it really the most important meal of the day?
Here are 5 reasons to eat breakfast every day from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
- More Energy
For a balanced breakfast, combine carbohydrates (from whole grains and fruit) with protein (from nut butter, low-fat milk, a hard-boiled egg, or yogurt). Carbohydrates boost energy and protein will keep you full until your next meal.
- Improved Concentration
Eating breakfast has been shown to improve memory and recall of the brain. For those with school-age children, studies show that eating breakfast every day helps improve grades.
- Reduced Hunger
Eating breakfast may reduce hunger later in the day, making it easier to choose healthier foods and avoid overeating. Including protein with breakfast has been shown to decrease cravings for sweet and starchy foods later in the day.
- Healthy Weight
Although it may seem like skipping breakfast would help you lose weight by cutting out extra calories, the opposite may be true! Breakfast eaters tend to eat fewer calories, less saturated fat and cholesterol, and make better overall nutritional choices than those who skip breakfast.
What goes into a Healthy Breakfast?
A healthy breakfast includes protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fat. Carbohydrates provide energy, while protein and fat help release this energy slowly throughout the morning.
Looking for a healthy breakfast recipe? Our Nutritionists recommend “Overnight Muesli”:
Other Healthy Breakfast Ideas:
- Smoothie bowl: 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup orange juice, 3/4 cup frozen berries topped with granola, nuts, or dried fruit
- Southwestern omelet: 2 eggs, 1/4 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup black beans, 1/4 cup onion, chopped, 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped, 1/4 cup salsa
- Whole grain frozen waffle with 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup berries
- Peanut butter & banana breakfast wrap: 1, 6-inch whole-wheat flour tortilla, 2 tablespoons peanut butter,
1 banana, sliced
