If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times, “You need to eat a healthy breakfast!” We all know by now that breakfast is important, and you’ve also no doubt heard, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
That first meal boosts our energy levels to help prevent fatigue, loss of concentration, and more. We know we need that healthy meal, so how does a person get in the habit of eating a healthy breakfast?
First off, do just that, make it a habit. If you skip breakfast once, then twice, then before you know it, not eating becomes a habit. A bad habit that’s not good for you. Instead, reinforce a good-for-you habit and eat breakfast every day.
No doubt a lot of you are thinking, “I don’t have time to make breakfast!” It’s important, so make time. You’re important, so make time! Take care of yourself and have a healthy breakfast.
There are ways to make the effort a little easier. Getting up a little earlier so you have time to make breakfast is one way, but if that makes you roll your eyes in despair, try fixing breakfast the night before.
Here are some ideas for make-ahead breakfast ideas:
- Put some oatmeal in a slow cooker,
- Make whole grain pancakes, waffles or French toast, then reheat and top with yogurt, fresh fruit or nuts (NOT a whole bunch of high-sugar syrup),
- Make your own breakfast bars,
- Scramble a bunch of eggs, then reheat a portion for breakfast, or even….
- Leftovers from yesterday’s meals.
Some of those foods can also be prepared over the weekend and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Other quick-to-fix breakfast ideas are:
- Whole grain toast spread with peanut butter,
- Whole grain cold cereal with milk,
- Hot cereals like oatmeal in the microwave,
- Fruit smoothies with protein powder added, or
- Fruit salad topped with a few nuts, along with a bran muffin.
It’s best to get some protein in there like eggs, nuts, or whey powder, and to choose foods that are nutrient dense, not laden with sugar or fat.
Think creatively. It doesn’t have to be a traditional breakfast food. Check out the health food store or look in the aisles at your regular grocery store for health food items, check out the produce section, or just anywhere health food abounds. Look for things to eat that you enjoy, are healthy-for-you foods, and easy to fix.
Be kind to yourself and make it a habit. Each and every day, eat a healthy breakfast.
