A healthy breakfast is essential to ensure the best start of a morning. The foods you eat at breakfast drive your day as you use the power of healthy breakfast selections to last until lunch. There are many benefits from eating a healthy breakfast such as increased strength, endurance, weight control, concentration and focus. Below you will find healthy suggestions to get you going in the right direction.
Oatmeal
Not only does oatmeal fills you, but it also makes the day much easier to deal with as you discover a new sense of energy. This natural food is free of cholesterol and low in fat and sugar. When it comes to getting the essential nutrients oatmeal provides four grams of fiber and five grams of protein per serving. For those who seek to improve the health of their heart, the American Heart Association has given oatmeal a thumbs up. The best oatmeal to select contains 100% whole grain oats.
Fruits: apples and bananas, berries
When pairing low-fat and low-sugar fruits and together can come close to meeting the recommended daily allowances for a wide range of essential items such as protein and fiber. Eating an apple only adds about 80 calories to your diet but more importantly adds lots of fiber and protein. Bananas are about 110 calories and add additional proteins and provide the fiber and potassium in your diet. Both healthy breakfast items are convenient and are easy to eat on-the-go.
For a quick energy boost in the morning berries are a delicacy that are full of folic acid, fiber, phytonutrients and vitamin C. In addition to providing a good start in the morning, fresh berries are also one of the most powerful foods to build a defense against disease. The preparation of the berries only require a quick wash and rinse making them an easy breakfast choice.
Yogurt
When you choose your options carefully you can provide yourself a healthy breakfast that offers a variety of choices of color and fruit. Raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, vanilla, blueberry and lemon are among the flavors to be found. Be sure to read the nutrition information on the label to make sure that you choose yogurts that contain less fat and calories. For an added bonus throw some fresh berries and uncooked instant oatmeal into your yogurt for a hunger satisfying meal.
Heart-Healthy Cereal
Cereals containing ingredients that boost heart health such as oats, psyllium, and whole grains are some of the healthiest foods for breakfast because they are high in fiber and low in fat. When shopping for heart-healthy cereal, it is important to pay attention to any keywords in the nutrition table that indicate 100% of wheat bran, oat bran, or barley ingredients. Whole grains also contain a high amount of vitamin B complex, vitamin E, magnesium and iron.
Utilizing these ideas will provide you with a healthy start to your day, help you avoid unhealthy morning snacking, and get you through the morning until lunch time. Remember, breakfast IS the most important meal of your day.