Do you often wonder if it is okay to skip breakfast? You are always pressed for time, so grabbing a bagel and coffee at the corner deli or Starbucks you think is better than skipping breakfast all together. Find out why you may be sabotaging your health and some quick healthy breakfast options that you can choose from.

SKIPPING BREAKFAST: GOOD OR BAD?

Eating breakfast gives your body the fuel it needs to get the day started and you are less likely to graze throughout the day or overeat at lunch if you had a satisfying and healthy breakfast. Since your body has been in fast mode while you were sleeping, it tends to appreciate being fed (breaking the fast = breakfast).

Another reason, some people may suffer from HYPOGLYCEMIA and providing the body with a healthy source of nutrients and vitamins at breakfast will nourish the body and prevent the onset of those pesky symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, irritability, confusion and/or, sweating.

INGREDIENTS FOR A HEALTHY BREAKFAST

• multigrain bread (make sure to buy bread that is low in added sugar and uses whole grains)
• eggs
• avocado
• frozen broccoli or your favorite frozen vegetable (mushroom, spinach or beans)
• olive oil
• non-stick or granite stone frying pan
• tomatoes, onions and garlic
• greek yogurt
• fresh or frozen fruit
• almond milk (without added sugar)

EGGS ARE VERSATILE & A GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN

If you are concerned about elevated cholesterol and have been advised by your physician to avoid foods high in cholesterol, you can use “egg whites” only. There are many brands of liquid eggs (100% natural) available (in the supermarkets on shelves just above the eggs) if separating the egg yolk is too tedious.

Add greens to get a head start on your daily vegetable intake, especially if you make an omelet. You can also make a vegetable scramble. If you are too pressed, use boiled eggs (which can be prepared the night before). Garnish with avocado (filling as well as a source of heart healthy fats).

WHAT YOU EAT IS AS IMPORTANT AS HOW MUCH YOU EAT

Eating a balanced breakfast pays huge dividends as the morning progresses. If you eat a breakfast that is too heavy on highly processed carbohydrates, you may find yourself getting sluggish or “crashing” within a few hours. This occurs because of the sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Highly processed carbohydrates tend to have a high glycemic index, which is especially problematic if you are a diabetic. Make sure to balance your carbohydrates with a healthy source of protein (eggs, egg whites, salmon, sardines, hemp seeds, or greek yogurt).

A HEALTHY BREAKFAST CAN BE EASILY PREPARED AT HOME

Eat healthy, save money and give yourself a boost of energy to get your day started. Reap the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast at home that will pay dividends as you continue your healthy or healthier lifestyle journey.

RECIPE FOR THE CODFISH ZUCCHINI OMELETTE CAN BE FOUND ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE