By Lindsey Joe
We've all heard it. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." While having something is better than having nothing...it's what you choose to eat that will impact your energy the rest of the day. In honor of Better Breakfast Month, here are a couple of strategies and a recipe round-up to help you and your family fuel up better in the AM.
Strategy #1: Begin with the end.
Ask yourself: how do I want to feel after this meal? If high energy, super brainpower and complete concentration sound good to you, aim to make whole grains, lean protein and fruit a part of every morning meal.
Whole grains and fruit provide high-octane energy for your brain and body. And low-fat protein will keep you going strong until lunch.
For example, instead of just toast with butter and jam, try whole grain toast with natural peanut butter and sliced banana. A more balanced breakfast will give your body the long-lasting energy it needs for a busy morning.
Strategy #2: Make it ahead of time.
Let's face it, mornings can be one of the most stressful parts of your day, and the day has barely even begun! You want to start off on the right foot. Make mornings a little easier by planning for a balanced breakfast before the sun rises. Easy make-ahead ideas include breakfast burritos, egg muffins or overnight oats.
8 Better-for-You Breakfasts
Now that you're equipped with the right strategies, check out these recipes your whole family will love:
- Morning Pizza
- Breakfast Blueberry Oatmeal Cakes
- Frozen Breakfast Quesadillas
- Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal with Fruit and Vanilla
- Grainy Greek Yogurt Parfaits
- Healthy Berry Yogurt Smoothie
- Super Easy Scrambled Eggs & Cheese
- Fast Fruit & Cheese
Banish the breakfast blues and aim to make a balanced morning meal a must for everyone. The benefits are immediate and will keep hunger, irritability and fatigue away.
Got a go-to breakfast you love? Tell us about it on Facebook with #YBetterBreakfast.
About the Series
Healthy Helpings is an ongoing series of sound information and inspiration for a healthier lifestyle. Look here for fresh recipes, fitness tips and more bite-sized advice on maintaining a better balance in life—from your friends at the Y.