Blog Post A Nourishing Beginning — Breakfast
Breakfast...literally means “Break the Fast” and it is a key cornerstone to your health. Many people are rushed in the morning and do not have or take the time to nourish their bodies in a healthy way.
There are 3 simple steps you can take to include breakfast and improve or maintain your health!
Timing is important: If you tend to eat a large meal in the evening or you eat fairly late at night, your digestive system may feel sluggish in the morning and you just may not feel that hungry. Try eating a light meal in the evening at least 3 hours before you go to bed to allow your body to digest the meal and get a more restful sleep. If your time in the morning is hectic, consider getting up just 10-15 minutes earlier so you don’t have to feel rushed. In the morning when you get up, rehydrate your body with at least 8-16 ounces of water. Then enjoy your breakfast about 30-60 minutes after you have your water.
Food choices are key: Because breakfast is often a grab it on the run meal, we forget to consider what our body needs for fuel. Breakfast should include a balance of healthy carbohydrates (yes--these provide fuel for your brain and muscles), protein and fat. Ask yourself when you are determining food choices: is this something my body can use to provide energy and optimum performance for my day? Breakfast is a great opportunity to provide much needed fiber in your diet by including whole grains, fruits and nuts or seeds.
Planning Ahead: If you fail to plan, breakfast will be skipped, random or the “grab whatever is convenient because I am starving scene”. Take a few minutes in the evening to get organized and set out what you need for a healthy breakfast. If it’s pancakes or waffles, prepare the mix and put out the pan for cooking. If it’s a smoothie, you can pull out the blender and have the ingredients all together in the refrigerator or freezer. If it is cereal, have it on the counter or if it’s oatmeal, have the packets out or measure the oats and have them ready to put in the pan. If you eat on your commute, you can grab a banana and a food bar, or have an apple or almonds in your briefcase. If you are eating breakfast at a restaurant, take a peek at the menu options available prior to arriving at the restaurant so you can make a nutritious choice.
By including a nutritious and delicious breakfast on a daily basis, you can experience the benefits of improved mental clarity and attention span, energy to accomplish your work, improved health and the ability to achieve or maintain a healthy weight.