We’re all familiar with the well-worn expression: “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. Whilst for some of us breakfast is an integral part of the morning routine, for the majority, breakfast is an afterthought in our otherwise busy lives. In fact, according to the British Dietetic Association, only two thirds of the British population regularly eat breakfast. Since September is both Better Breakfast and Wholegrain month, in this article, I want to address just how important that early morning meal really is, and how it can be made nutritious, delicious and convenient with a few small changes to your routine.
Is Breakfast THAT Important?
If you’re committed to leading a healthy and, more importantly, balanced lifestyle, it is essential that breakfast is incorporated into your routine. Literally meaning, to ‘break-the-fast’, our breakfast is intended to top up the energy stores that we use up overnight when our bodies renew and repair themselves. It is therefore of upmost importance that our blood sugars are replenished appropriately in order to give us the necessary energy to carry us through the day, keeping us alert, refreshed and energised.
While the science truly speaks for itself, a substantial breakfast also has potential weight-loss benefits. Missing breakfast tends to make people hungrier later on in the day, leading them to snack on less healthy and nutritious things. A good breakfast prepares you mentally and physically for a healthier and more productive day. As outlined by clinical dietician, Christy C. Tangney, "Breakfast is like exercising, if you make room for it in the morning, you'll look and feel great throughout the day". I couldn’t agree more!
Healthy and Delicious Alternatives
In this day and age, it seems there is less and less time allocated for incorporating a healthy lifestyle into the week, let alone the small and rushed gap between the alarm and the first deadline of the day. Those of us that do manage to squeeze in time for breakfast often fall into the convenient, and admittedly tasty, sugary cereal bowls/bars trap, which is entirely counterproductive to the healthy start argument. If this sounds a little bit like your morning routine, here are some of my favourite speedy-breakfast alternatives:
A juice or smoothie made with fresh fruits and vegetables – quick, easy, delicious and transportable! (Here is my Breakfast Energy Smoothie recipe)
High Fiber whole grain/sourdough toast with a teaspoon of peanut butter.
Avocado, one of my personal favourites, is high in protein and natural fat content. Paired perfectly with a little olive oil and paprika.
No Nonsense and Nutritional Whole grains
A sure-fire way of boosting your breakfast game is by incorporating whole grains into your diet. Whole grains are a certified super food, having been associated with reduced blood cholesterol, which in turn reduces the risk of obesity, heart disease and strokes. High in fiber, these whole grain foods provide you with the perfect start to your day. Here are some of my own whole grain recipes, for those who have a little more time in the morning:
Porridge – delicious with a selection of fruits and a dash of honey to satisfy a sweet tooth!
Congee breakfast bowls – an alternative to the traditional porridge recipe!
Granola – here is one of my favourite homemade granola recipes.
Buckwheat Pancakes – these are one of my most popular, simple, whole grain breakfasts.
Let’s all see in Better Breakfast and Wholegrain month right, and try to put aside 20 minutes each morning for a little bit of me time, incorporating some of these delicious breakfast ideas for a nutritional way to boost to your day.
If you are interested in consulting a nutritional therapist or simply in nutritional therapy in general, then book yourself in for a free 30 minute discovery call today. We can have a chat about your requirements, goals and preferences, and then discuss the best way to move forward.