Do you constantly find yourself eating breakfast “on the run”?
As our work week and schedule routine have changed during our time in the pandemic, we are still finding ourselves eating breakfast on the run.
Are you settling for coffee and a donut or relying on the nearest drive-thru?
The first meal of the day is important, so don’t short-change yourself. A little planning and a few extra minutes can go a long way toward a healthy start, no matter how hectic your morning routine is.
Why Eat Breakfast, You Ask?
Here’s a list of reasons…
- A healthy breakfast replenishes your body and mind, giving you energy to move and think. It’s just what you need in the morning.
- Many traditional (and unusual) breakfast foods are naturally low in calories and fat, while also providing valuable nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and calcium.
- People who eat breakfast tend to eat healthier overall than those who skip breakfast. And skipping meals sets some people up to overeat at the next opportunity.
The Case Against “Convenience”
• The supermarket is filled with breakfast “junk food” that promises a quick meal that even kids will love. But, honestly, how satisfying is a toaster pastry that can be eaten in a few bites? You can actually eat more food – yet a lot fewer calories – by making wiser choices.
• The typical fast food breakfast should come with a warning: “Conveniently high in fat, sodium, and calories, but can’t offer much in the way of fiber, vitamins and minerals!” The typical sausage and egg biscuit with hash browns packs in around 600 calories, 41 g of fat, and 1,340 mg of sodium. That’s more than half the recommended Daily Value for fat and sodium – and from just one meal!
• Coffee and a donut: Don’t fool yourself. How long will that stay with you? You’ll be heading to the vending machine before you know it. Take a look at some healthy ideas to help get your day off to the right start!
Healthy Options for a Great Start
So what makes up a nutritious breakfast?
Like any meal, a good rule of thumb is to have at least three food groups represented. A healthy breakfast consists of three components:
- Fruit or 100% juice. If you choose juice, look for one that is fortified with calcium and keep the serving size to 4-6 ounces.
- A good source of protein. Protein ensures that the meal has some staying power.
- An excellent source of fiber. If planned correctly, individuals can get almost half of their fiber requirements at breakfast.
People really fail to plan for breakfast, just as they often fail to plan for other meals. We hear about a lack of time in our society, but in my opinion, it’s a choice about how we all use our time. It’s worth getting up a little bit earlier in the morning to ensure a good breakfast. Having the right ingredients on hand is 90% of the battle and can often mean that a nutritious breakfast takes only a few minutes.
Here are a couple of recipes we’d like to share that will help change your morning routine,
so you can get a head start to a healthier day and a healthier breakfast.
Fast & Delicious Breakfast Ideas
by Chef Maggie Green:
• Juice, banana, and egg white sandwich on whole wheat bread
• Oatmeal with raisins and skim milk
• High-fiber muffins (make them in big batches and freeze them)*
• Smoothies (use skim milk, frozen fruit and a little wheat germ)
• Pancakes and waffles (freeze a batch and toast what you need in the morning); top these with fruit and sugar-free syrup instead of butter and regular sweet syrup
• Homemade granola made with toasted rolled oats, nuts and raisins
• Breakfast burritos – use scrambled egg whites, beans and a little salsa
*You can freeze the muffin batter in muffin papers, then bake them in the morning.
Rise & Shine! Smoothie
1 cup orange juice
1 cup skim or fortified soy milk
3 Tbsp wheat germ
1 cup fresh or frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas, peaches, etc.)
Pinch cinnamon
Place all ingredients in blender and puree on high speed until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use – up to 6-8 hours. If you are making this the night before we recommend you store it in the blender jar and blend it again it quickly before serving.
Serves 2. Each 1-1/4 cup serving: 160 calories, 1.8 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 65 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 8.5 g protein.
Let’s get your day off to a good start shall we?
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @movitajuicebar for everything refreshingly healthy that Movita has to offer! Until the next blog, here’s to a healthy start to your day! 🙂
DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information is for informational purposes and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any illness. Consult a physician before taking any action.
Want to contribute great content?
We are looking for contributors provide our readers with great healthy content to encourage positive living. If you're interested in becoming a contributor pease email us at blog@movitajuicebar.com
