Friday, March 6, 2015

7 Quick Breakfast Ideas to Jumpstart Your Healthy Day

Breakfast: My Favorite Time of Day

I am what you would call a morning person. My internal alarm usually wakes me before my alarm clock. I love getting a head start on the day while the world is still asleep.

Most of the time, I wake up because I am hungry for my favorite meal, breakfast! I have a preference for sweet things or a 'sweet tooth' and breakfast usually incorporates something sweet. Breads, fruit, and (sweet) coffee - oh my!

Breakfast is a great way to start the day. Breakfast is literally breaking the fast. We fast, or don't eat, while we sleep. Our bodies can fast for some time, but breaking the fast is a healthy, jump-start to the day and to your metabolism. Many of my clients that are trying to lose weight inadvertently sabotage themselves by skipping meals. Most often breakfast is the meal that is skipped. This is a problem. One, you aren't breaking the fast. This can trick your body into thinking you are starving - on a desert-island somewhere. I digress. Over time, your body will become accustom to this skipping of meals and decrease your metabolism (the base energy your body need to stay alive). So, eat your breakfast! Ok?

If you need more incentive, here are some quick, easy breakfast ideas to start your day.

1) Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a delicious whole grain. It can be topped with different fruits, spices, and nuts to mix up the flavor. I especially like hot oatmeal on a cold morning. Oatmeal is a great

2) Cereal to go
Many people say time is the barrier to eat breakfast. I understand mornings are busy. So, pack your cereal in a zip top bag. Pour milk into a to-go cup. And, you are ready to take your breakfast to go!

3) Parfait
Parfaits are a visually appealing layered dish. Let's make this treat for breakfast! Add layers of your favorite yogurt, cereal, granola, nuts, and fruit. Repeat the layers. Top with fruit and mint. And enjoy! This can be assembled the night before, so it is a quick breakfast.


4) Smoothies
Smoothies are a great on-the-go breakfast drink. You can prepare a "smoothie pack" by washing the fruits or vegetables you want to include and putting them in zip top bags or in mason jars. Then, everything is ready to blend with yogurt, milk, or your favorite non-dairy option.
I prefer smoothies to juicing because juicing will pull out fiber which helps you feel full and can help lower cholesterol.
 
5) Breakfast Burritos
Take a whole grain tortilla, fill with scrambled eggs or egg whites, add your favorite veggies (tomatoes, mushrooms, onions), top with cheese, roll, and enjoy!

6) Paninis
Some people prefer savory to sweet. If you like savory breakfasts, this breakfast panini is for you! Toast whole wheat bread, add egg or egg whites, spinach, cheese and tomato.

7) Breakfast Bruscetta
I like to think of this as Italian-inspired toast. Toast bread and add a spread. (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, olive oil, or mozzarella). Then top with tomatoes and basil for a savory delicious start to your day.

Start your day with any of these filling breakfasts, and you will be fueled for success. I hope these seven breakfast ideas will encourage you to eat seven days of the week!

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me, RDtipoftheday, on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter for more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating. You can subscribe to this blog, RDtipoftheday.blogspot.com, through BlogLovin.

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