Though breakfast is supposed to be the most important meal of the day, many people skip it entirely or get by on a single piece of fruit or nibble of a granola bar. People who do sit down to breakfast often rush through a bowl of cold cereal instead of choosing a more creative option. Most of the time, any type of breakfast is better than no breakfast at all, but it's best to enjoy nutritious and varied morning meals.
Health Benefits
Eating a healthy breakfast has tremendous benefits. According to MayoClinic.com, breakfast helps with weight loss and weight maintenance because it curbs hunger later in the day and may reduce cravings as well as overall calorie consumption. Breakfast also provides energy, which can inspire people to tackle exercise and be more active. The Cleveland Clinic states that breakfast can also help increase alertness and give metabolism a boost.
Balance
The key to a truly healthy breakfast plan is balance. Choosing healthy options such as fresh fruit and whole-grain toast is a good start, but too much of one type of food on the breakfast menu is not likely to result in lasting fullness or feelings of satiation, and it deprives the body of nutrient variety. "Cooking Light" magazine recommends eating a mixture of lean protein, healthy fat and high-fiber carbohydrates for breakfast.
Choices
Some of the most common breakfast choices that work well for everyday meals are omelets, scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles and cold or hot cereal. However, there's no reason to be limited to what's traditional. Any type of balanced meal can be a suitable breakfast. Try veggie pizza, a tofu scramble, vegetable fritters, an English muffin sandwich, a yogurt parfait or lean meat with whole-grain crackers and low-fat cheese.
Quick Options
Having limited time in the morning is something that stops many people from eating a proper breakfast. It's not necessary to spend a lot of time cooking to get a balanced meal in the morning, though. HelpGuide.org suggests apple cinnamon oatmeal, which can be made with instant packets or overnight in a slow cooker. Low-sugar fruit smoothies, trail mix, a toasted whole-grain bagel with peanut butter or a low-fat muffin are other quick and healthy options.
Variations
To prevent breakfast boredom, vary staple foods and common meals from time to time. Mix sweet add-ins with granola, such as dried berries or agave nectar, or try savory options, such as turkey bacon bits or low-fat cheese. Make veggie pancakes instead of fruit versions, and serve them with chutney or salsa. Vary the traditional cereal by mixing it with peanut butter or nuts and rolling it up inside a whole-grain tortilla.
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