Breakfast Benefits
You have heard it before; breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, yet surprisingly more than half of Australians still regularly skip breakfast.
If you’re often tired, find it hard to concentrate or binge on high fat, high sugar foods, then it is time to evaluate if you are having breakfast regularly and what you are having.
Breakfast is very important as it breaks the overnight fasting period, replenishes your supply of glucose and provides other essential nutrients to keep your energy levels high during the day. People who eat breakfast are:
More likely to maintain a healthy weight
Have lower fat and higher fibre, calcium, iron and magnesium intakes than non-breakfast eater.
Have a better mood.
Are less likely to binge on unhealthy foods later in the day.
Have a better memory and are able to concentrate better than those who don’t eat breakfast.
So now you know the benefits, what should you be choosing?
To make a healthy breakfast:
Include a source of carbohydrate, protein and fruit or vegetables.
For example:
Untoasted museli + low fat yoghurt + berries
Wholegrain toast + baked beans + mushrooms
Porridge + low fat milk + sliced banana
To boost your fibre intake even further, sprinkle dishes with bran, nuts, seeds, LSA or wheat germ.
If you are running late and need a breakfast on the run, some ideas include:
Smoothie or breakfast drink
Banana wrapped in wholemeal bread
Yoghurt and fruit
If you find it hard to face breakfast, try the following:
Eat your evening meal earlier and avoid late night snacking and you will wake up with an appetite.
Get up earlier, take your time and sit down to eat your breakfast.
For early starters take breakfast to work.
Eat something as soon as possible, each day trying to eat a little earlier.
So there you have it – the benefits of breakfast, what to have and what to do if you are time poor or can’t face breakfast in the morning.
A delicious recipe to try is:
Easy Overnight Museli
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 ½ cups of low fat milk or low fat yoghurt
Fruit
Method
Soak oats and milk overnight. In the morning, spoon 3/4 cup of the mix into a bowl, add chopped fruit, and an additional tablespoon of chopped nuts or seeds if desired . Lastly add a little more low fat yoghurt to make it thick and creamy. Mix well and enjoy!