In some of my previous posts I discussed the importance of diet over the festive period. You may have heard the phrase that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is the first meal you have after waking up and can have a significant impact upon how you feel for the rest of the day. Eating a poor breakfast or skipping it completely can make you feel tired, sluggish and moody for the rest of the day. With all the other things you have to deal with over the holiday period having a poor start to the day is the last thing you need. That’s why today I’m going to share with you five healthy winter breakfast ideas.
1) OATMEAL:- Oatmeal is a fantastic hot meal to start the day with. It’s high in fibre and a rich source of numerous vitamins. Oatmeal can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and can also protect you from a number of health conditions. It has been linked with reducing your risk for heart disease, reducing your risk of contracting type 2 diabetes, preventing certain types of cancer and lowering high blood pressure. Due to it’s high fibre content oatmeal is very filling too meaning that if you have it for breakfast you should not be tempted by unhealthy mid-morning snacks. On a chilly winter morning there’s nothing much more satisfying than a hot bowl of oatmeal so next time you wake up feeling cold why not give it a try?
2) EGGS:- Eggs are another tasty way to start the day. Plus they are amazingly versatile and easy to prepare. You can have them hard boiled, soft boiled with soldiers made from whole grain toast, poached, scrambled or even mix them with some meat and vegetables to make an omelette. On top of this eggs have a number of health benefits. They are one of the best protein sources available and also provide you with 9 essential amino acids. Eggs are rich in vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin D which is a particularly important vitamin over the Christmas period. Furthermore, they are a good source of healthy fats. I find a couple of poached eggs on toast is a fantastic, quick and convenient way to start the day but as I mentioned above there are so many different choices here. Choose your favourite type and try to make it part of your breakfast at least once a week.
3) NATURAL YOGHURT:- Yoghurt is a great source of potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins. It has been linked with strengthening the immune system and is also thought to promote strong bones. On top of this it’s incredibly simple to prepare. All you have to do is put some yoghurt in a bowl and it’s good to go. If you find yoghurt too bland on its own then try adding some fruits for flavour. I find that blueberries and pineapple are a particularly tasty addition to a bowl of natural yoghurt plus they add some additional fibre and vitamins to the mix. So next time you’re looking for something different for breakfast, select your favourite fruit and add some natural yoghurt for a highly nutritious solution.
4) FRUIT:- Fruit is a fantastic way to start the day. Although there are many different types of fruit out there most of them are rich in fibre and full of vitamins. Plus, fruit is generally low in calories making it a perfect breakfast choice if you are trying to control your weight. As I said above most fruits go well with natural yoghurt but if you are in a hurry in the morning just pick up a couple of pieces of fruit and eat it on your way to work. You will get plenty of vital vitamin, a healthy serving of fibre at a fraction of the calories that most other foods contain.
5) PROTEIN SHAKES:- Protein is very important for building muscle and can also help suppress your appetite. Therefore, by having a protein shake for breakfast you can feed your muscles whilst avoiding the mid-morning hunger cravings. Protein shakes are quick to prepare and very practical. All you have to do is mix some protein powder with milk or water and it’s ready to drink. Like yoghurt, protein shakes and fruit can be combined to make a highly nutritious breakfast. Plus, they are both portable so you can have them while you’re on the move. Next time you are in a rush and thinking about skipping breakfast grab a protein shake on your way out. It will take less than a minute to prepare but will give you a much needed morning boost.
Throughout the month of December I have discussed the stresses and strains that the holidays bring. During this time of year there is an increased chance of getting a cold or the flu and SAD is a very real possibility. What’s more with numerous parties and social events it is harder than ever to maintain a healthy diet and to exercise regularly over the festive period. With all this working against you, you really don’t want to start the day poorly. Fill up your tank first thing with one of these healthy winter breakfast choices and you will put yourself in the best position possible to maintain your Christmas fitness.
What do you guys think about breakfast? Do you agree that it is the most important meal of the day? Do you have any further healthy breakfast suggestions? What’s your favourite winter breakfast?
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