Breakfast of Champions II: Building a Better Breakfast
Image thanks to shallowend
A little while back we sent you an article about the many benefits of eating a healthy breakfast (and there are MANY).
Breakfast is good for your energy, your metabolism, good for your waistline, and, well…it’s just good.
In that spirit, I thought I would offer you up a list of some of the healthiest breakfast foods around, and delicious ways to use them.
So go ahead, get up, get moving, and enjoy the most important meal of the day.
Here are some perfect foods to build your better breakfast…
Berries
Berries are little antioxidant powerhouses, and delicious to boot. A handful of them can make just about any healthy breakfast a little sweeter. Add a handful of frozen berries to a Greek yogurt smoothie, or drop a few into your (healthy) cereal to give it a little love.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be a perfect breakfast food. It’s whole grain, high in fiber, and low in calories. The key here is to avoid those tempting little flavored packets with all of the added sugar and artificial flavorings. If you are looking for an easy breakfast try making one big batch of steel cuts oats at the beginning of the week, and enjoying it throughout. Oatmeal is also a perfect canvas for delicious flavors: try a bit of cinnamon and stevia to sweeten it up, or (my favorite) some chopped walnuts and a drizzle of real maple syrup.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt is delicious wonder and great for breakfast because it has lots of protein to keep you feeling full. There isn’t anything much more simple or sweet than a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with berries and either nuts or a sprinkle of low-fat granola.
Eggs
For too long eggs have gotten a bad rap. They do indeed have some cholesterol, but in moderation, this is not a problem for most people. One egg has 13 essential nutrients, high-quality protein, and comes in at only 70 calories. You can boil them or poach them with no added fat, or turn them into a scramble with spinach or other veggies. So, go ahead and enjoy an egg or two with whole grain bread or fruit for a satisfying breakfast.
Peanut Butter
Natural peanut butter is another delicious and satiating treat that many of us have forgone in our quest to be healthy. Sure, it has fat, but it’s the good for you kind of fat. And it is another pantry staple that is chock full of protein to help you feel fuller, longer. Slather some on a piece whole grain toast in the morning and it juts may have you feeling like a kid again.
Cereal
It really doesn’t get much easier than this; have a bowl of cereal with low fat milk or soymilk. The key is to be sure that you choose a healthy cereal that you actually enjoy eating. Ideally look for one that is low in sugar and high in fiber. You can also increase the health factor by adding in sliced banana, strawberries, or a handful of blueberries.