To keep your metabolism going and help you lose weight, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. A healthy breakfast allows you to pack in vital nutrients while making you less hungry for the remainder of the day. Whether you have time to cook or time just to grab and go, a breakfast option exists for you. The goal is to avoid options high in sugar, fat or calories while eating something you enjoy--so you will continue to eat it.
Classic Cooking
If you are an eggs-and-bacon-type breakfast eater, try these time-tested breakfast options: two egg whites and slow-cooked oatmeal with berries swirled in; 1 cup of whole-grain cereal with skim milk with a banana on the side or in your cereal; and a piece of whole-grain toast spread with peanut butter and an apple. Whenever possible, choose a whole-grain option as these will digest more slowly and offer you a serving of dietary fiber, which helps to maintain the gastrointestinal tract.
Smoothie Operators
If your tastes tend more toward grab-and-go or you would like to avoid a heavier breakfast, smoothies are a great option. A smoothie packs in a host of nutrient-rich fruits into one glass.
Start with 3/4 cup of low-fat yogurt, then add your favorite fruits as desired. These could include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas or orange juice. For an extra boost, incorporate whey or soy protein powders, which add to the nutritional benefits. These powders often come in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. If your smoothie is too thick, add in some skim milk.
An alternative to the smoothie, but still very similar, is a yogurt parfait. This consists of the low-fat yogurt of your choice, topped with berries and low-fat granola. The result is a parfait that tastes more like dessert--but still remains breakfast.
Outside the (Cereal) Box
Some people don't like typical breakfast foods--and that's okay. Instead, try some non-breakfast options, such as a breakfast taco that incorporates shredded cheese, eggs and salsa folded into a tortilla. Sandwiches also are an option--try a fruit and cream cheese sandwich or even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Other options include leftovers from the night before--who says you can't have dinner for breakfast (and vice-versa?).
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