Your first meal sets the tone of your day after, and it’s easier than you think to make the best decision. Use this list below to help you prepare for an energized and productive day.
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a filling meal in the morning and goes great alongside fruit or a side of eggs. Oatmeal is composed of ground oats that are high in a fiber called beta-glucan. Oats are also rich in antioxidants that level blood pressure and helps clear the body of harmful everyday components that could become harmful if not expelled. Taking it a step further and choosing steel-cut oats doubles the protein intake, and those allergic to gluten should be sure to look for a “gluten-free” label on oatmeal packages.
2. Berries
Berries such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries contain a high content of antioxidants and fiber and taste great while containing a lower sugar content than other fruit. Berries also reduce inflammation, which is very important in cholesterol regulation. Berries work great on their own or added to cold or warm cereal.
3. Flaxseed
These little seeds contain a large amount of protein and fiber, which keeps you full while reducing blood sugar levels, regulating insulin sensitivity and even protects the body against certain cancers. Flaxseeds aren’t absorbed by the body when whole, so it’s necessary to grind flaxseeds or be sure to choose ground flaxseeds in order to add them to your morning smoothies or to add to cottage cheese or yogurt.
4. Grapefruit
While grapefruit is known to be a component in weight loss, a grapefruit in the morning coupled with egg or yogurt for protein is a fresh, filling, and nutritious breakfast that places your day on an upward start. Grapefruit also regulates the insulin in the body as well as blood sugar, and it also helps fight sicknesses with its high dosage of antioxidants.
5. Eggs
So far you have seen eggs being coupled with quite a few of the foods listed above; now let’s focus on the incredible edible egg itself. It’s amazing that eggs are so affordable, yet packed so high in nutrition. Both parts of the egg contain their own source of nutrition; the whites contain zinc, copper, iron, vitamins D, B2, B6, B12, and selenium, while the yolks contain vitamin A, D, E, K and lecithin. These components support health, enhance fetal health, combat osteoporosis, and help you feel fuller to set the tone for balanced meals throughout the day. Eggs work great by themselves whether hard-boiled or scrambled, are the key component to the perfect omelet, and are the perfect ingredient for breakfast sandwiches alongside your favorite meat or cheese.