Breakfast foods you should be eating to start your day right

Mornings can be hectic. Between hitting the snooze button, getting ready for work, and wrangling the kids, it’s easy to let breakfast fall by the wayside. But starting your day with a nutritious breakie is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and well-being.

Just like a car needs fuel to run smoothly, our bodies need good food to kickstart our metabolism and provide us with sustained energy throughout the morning. A well-balanced breakfast can help us focus better, improve our mood, and even regulate our weight.

The best breakfast foods to start your day rightUnsplash

What makes a breakfast balanced?

The ideal breakfast should be a combination of different nutrients that work together to keep you feeling energised and satisfied. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:

  • Protein: Protein helps keep you full and provides essential amino acids for building and repairing tissues. Eggs, Greek yoghurt, nuts, and seeds are all excellent sources of protein.
  • Fibre: Fibre keeps you feeling full and helps regulate digestion. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are all good sources of fiber.
  • Healthy Fats: Healthy fats help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing energy crashes. Avocados, nuts, and seeds are all good sources of healthy fats.
  • Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals are essential for various bodily functions. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are packed with micronutrients.

Breakfast foods for champions

Now that we know what makes a balanced breakfast, let’s explore some delicious and nutritious options to kickstart your day.

Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal with berries and nuts is a classic for a reason. Oatmeal provides sustained energy from complex carbohydrates, while berries add antioxidants and fibre. Top it off with nuts or nut butter for a protein and healthy fat boost.

The best breakfast foods to start your day right

Pexels

Yogurt and muesli

Greek yoghurt with muesli and a drizzle of honey is a quick and easy breakfast option that’s packed with protein and gut-friendly probiotics from the yoghurt. Choose granola with nuts and seeds for added protein, fibre, and healthy fats.

Eggs and avo

Scrambled eggs with whole-wheat toast and avocado is a protein-packed powerhouse that will satisfy you for hours. Eggs are a complete protein source, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids, while whole-wheat toast provides complex carbohydrates and fibre. Avocados add healthy fats and a creamy texture.

The best breakfast foods to start your day right

Unsplash

Easy smoothie

Whip up a smoothie with Greek yoghurt, spinach, banana, and protein powder for a nutrient-rich breakfast on the go. Greek yoghurt provides protein and probiotics, spinach adds vitamins and minerals, the banana adds sweetness and potassium, and protein powder gives you an extra energy boost.

Healthy pancakes

If you have time, why not whip up a batch of whole-wheat pancakes or waffles? Top them with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for a delicious and satisfying breakfast. Whole-wheat flour provides fibre, while fruit adds sweetness and vitamins.

The best breakfast foods to start your day right

Pexels

How to keep eating breakfast

Don’t skip breakfast: Even if you’re short on time, a quick piece of fruit or a handful of nuts is better than nothing.

Plan ahead: Take some time on the weekends to prep breakfast ingredients for the week ahead. This will help you make healthy choices when you’re short on time in the mornings.

Make it portable: If you’re always on the go, choose breakfast options that you can easily take with you, such as yoghurt parfaits, hard-boiled eggs, or whole-wheat wraps.

Drink plenty of water: Starting your day with a glass of water helps rehydrate your body after a night’s sleep and can also help you feel fuller.

ALSO SEE: 12 breakfast recipes to get you through the week

12 breakfast recipes to get you through the week

This article was originally written and published by Jade McGee for Woman&Home.

Feature image: Pexels

The post Breakfast foods you should be eating to start your day right appeared first on Food & Home Magazine.