Healthy breakfast ideas to energize your day
It may be cliché and it’s something we have all heard for years, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Before you rush out your door in the morning to get to class without eating something, remember that skipping breakfast can set you up for overeating in the day. To get an energizing start to your day, it’s important to fuel your body with whole grains, lean protein, and plenty of vitamins that will keep you going. Here’s a look at the top foods that boost energy and that are perfect for an energizing breakfast:
Greek yogurt
Greek-style yogurt is full of protein and flavour, providing a quick-and-easy way to get your day started. If you make smoothies in the morning, try adding Greek yogurt to your mix for a boost of energy. If simple yogurt is a little too plain, try adding honey, fruit, or low-sugar jam for added sweetness.
Eggs
A more substantial, and filling, meal is one with eggs. Eggs are a great source of iron, folate, protein, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids, which all help keep energy levels up. They also contain lutein, which is a brain-building choline. Adding spinach, vegetables, or low-sodium turkey can boost your meal with additional nutrition and energy.
Coconut water
For those who like to work out in the mornings, coconut water is a great way to stay hydrated after exercise. Coconut water is an easy way to get the potassium and natural electrolytes needed to stay energized throughout the day.
Oatmeal
Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that help lower cholesterol when eaten regularly. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, as well as potassium. They’re easy to cook, and can be sweetened with milk, honey, or fruit, as the sweetened oats contain an overload of sugar.
Peanut butter
There are many benefits to peanut butter, and high energy is one of those. An all-natural peanut butter is full of protein, and helps make you feel fuller for longer. Peanut butter contains more unsaturated fat than saturated fat, keeping the unhealthy fats at bay.
Grapefruit
Grapefruits are full of vitamin C, which is a major antioxidant that helps fight infection, and can even help shorten the duration of colds. Pink grapefruit offers about 35 per cent more of the antioxidant vitamin C than its paler counterparts. Grapefruit juice is a great alternative to those who aren’t a fan of the fruit, but still want to enjoy the many health benefits that come with the fruit.
Banana
Bananas are another great way to feel full throughout the day since they are a great source of resistant starch – a carbohydrate that keeps you feeling full longer. Bananas also contain potassium, which helps lower blood pressure naturally. Added to cereal, smoothies, or oatmeal, bananas are a healthy and natural sweetener to your breakfast.