Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? These days, we are all in a rush to get out the door each morning. It’s easy to bypass breakfast – but should we be making time for it?
Benefits of breakfast
The short answer: yes, breakfast is worth the extra effort. Breakfast often sets the tone for your day, helping to refuel your body after fasting all night and jump-starting your metabolism.
Starting your day off with a good, balanced breakfast can offer benefits such as:
- Better blood sugar control
- Lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, decreasing your risk of heart disease
- Weight loss
- Decreased risk of obesity
- Improved memory and concentration
It’s also important to eat consistently throughout the day, according Amber Cranfield, a Registered Dietitian at the St. Elizabeth Weight Management Center.
“Eating regularly throughout the day ensures that we don’t become too hungry,” says Amber. “When our metabolism and sugar levels are off because we’re hungry, it can lead to over-eating and making unhealthy food choices.”
Our bodies also need a variety of nutrients to fuel it. Eating consistently will give you more energy and focus to get through your day.
Healthy on the go breakfast ideas
A quick breakfast is better than no breakfast at all. There are many quick and easy options you can reach for each morning. Try incorporating some of the following options into your morning routine:
- Hardboiled eggs – make a batch every few nights and they’ll be ready to grab on your way out the door.
- Drinkable yogurt/smoothies – choose brands that are low in sugar and higher in protein like Dannon Light & Fit Protein Smoothie or Kroger CARBmaster Protein Smoothie.
- Egg muffin cups – a great way to sneak vegetables into your breakfast. This recipe is easy to make ahead of time and quickly warm up.
- Overnight oats – a great option for fiber and protein. You can make it in the refrigerator or the slow cooker .
- Protein Shakes – be sure they are low in sugar without too much fat. Premier Protein is a good option to grab and shake on your way out.
- Healthier breakfast sandwiches – recommended brands include Kellogg’s Special K and Jimmy Dean Breakfast Delights. Try Special K Crustless Quiche or Jimmy Dean Delights English Muffin.
Looking to make a healthy lifestyle change? St. Elizabeth can help.
The St. Elizabeth Weight Management Center offers group classes as part of our Weight Management program. The topics vary week to week but include behavioral health topics like mindful eating and finding core motivation, nutrition topics like how to use meal tracking apps and effective meal planning, as well as patient speakers and cooking demos. If you are interested in learning more about the Weight Management program at St. Elizabeth, please call (859) 212-GOAL.
