We’ve all heard, at one point or another, that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While most parents make sure their kids start their day with a full stomach, many adults tend to make it all the way to lunchtime on a few cups of coffee. Research has found that people who skip the first meal of the day are more likely to eat a bigger lunch, and also tend to seek out unhealthier and higher-calorie foods.
Research also tells us that eating breakfast helps kickstart your metabolism and maintain or reach a healthy weight. Experts believe that breakfast keeps the metabolism running higher because skipping meals causes the body to kick into ‘starvation’ mode. It’s more likely that people who regularly eat breakfast also make good dietary choices the rest of the day.
Keep in mind that when making breakfast choices, many options simply aren’t that nutritious. Many prepared foods like boxed cereals, pastries, and breads contain large quantities of sugars and additives, while common breakfast meats like bacon and sausage are high in saturated fat and sodium.
A good breakfast should include a heart-healthy source of protein and a complex carbohydrate that is high in fibre; this combination is known to help satisfy hunger until lunchtime. Protein foods can include low-fat meat, dairy products, nuts or nut butter, as well as eggs. High-fibre carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
If you are looking for something easy and on the go, try a simple breakfast that includes one hard-boiled egg, a piece of Silver hills sprouted wheat toast, and a piece of fresh fruit. Check out some recipe ideas from the new Canada Food guide HERE .. OR you can make Daniela’s WONDERFUL breakfast bar that is filling, satisfying and FULL of goodness! Here is the Recipe:
Ingredients (makes 4 bars)
- 2 cups frozen mangos or blueberries
- 2 ripe bananas
- 12 T Oat bran
- 1 cup quick oats
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups any milk
- 1 cup water
- 4 t flax seed
- 2 packs Stevia *optional
Directions
Spray a casserole dish with Pam. Pour Mango or blueberries in dish. In a large bowl mix the other ingredients with a hand blender. Pour over fruit and bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Breakfast for 4 days!
