As you might have been warned by your mother throughout your childhood, breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day. Even if you’re strapped for time, you should still make time for a balanced, healthy meal to start your day.
Smoothies – There are endless healthy options with smoothies. From fruit, to vegetables, and even peanut butter. Mix and match to create some wonderful tastes. If you’d rather not be too creative, there are many recipes that you can find online. Smoothies are a great way to get in more fruit and vegetables, especially if you have trouble eating them throughout the day.
Cereal – This popular, boxed breakfast item can be a way to go, however just watch the sugar content. Some cereal can go as high as 20 grams of sugar (five teaspoons) per serving. Keep in mind, the American Heart Association recommends 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men of sugar each day. Also, try to look for a cereal that has whole grains and as few ingredients as possible.
Oatmeal – If you’d rather go hot, oatmeal can work well. However, it’s best to buy plain oatmeal in the canisters, and not the packets that come in boxes. Again, it’s about the sugar. Depending on the brand and flavor, you could be looking at 12 grams or more. If you do want some sweetness, consider adding in fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries.
Eggs – These little guys are a great way to get protein. If you want to cut out the cholesterol found in eggs, consider just egg whites. However, recent studies show that dietary cholesterol doesn’t lead to high levels of blood cholesterol.