A balanced breakfast is as important as a healthy lunch or dinner.
It can help you manage your weight, boost energy and keep you feeling satisfied longer.
Start with a high-fiber cereal or whole-grain bread, and add a lean protein like peanut butter, eggs, low-fat dairy or lean meat. Fruit and vegetables also help you fill up, stabilize blood sugar levels and give you vitamins and minerals.
Protein
Getting enough protein for a healthy breakfast can help stabilize your blood sugar, reduce overeating, and promote weight loss. The right amount of protein at the start of the day can also keep you full longer.
Adding a handful of nuts or seeds, low-fat milk, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and whey protein shakes are all good ways to get your daily intake of protein. Eggs are another excellent source of protein, and they help maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Protein is an essential nutrient that provides your body with many important vitamins and minerals. It also helps build muscle and repair tissues.
Fiber
Most adults in the United States don’t get enough fiber, which means they’re missing out on some big health benefits. Research has shown that a diet rich in fiber reduces your risk for heart disease and diabetes, among other conditions.
It also helps your body absorb the sugar in your food, keeping blood glucose levels steady and avoiding the spikes and dips that lead to cravings. And fiber slows the rate that your body metabolizes glucose, helping to keep you full longer.
To make sure you’re getting a healthy dose of fiber at breakfast, choose a high-fiber cereal with 5 or more grams of fiber per serving. You can also stir a handful of fruit or a spoonful of whole-grain oatmeal into your favorite cereal.
Fruit
Fruit is a great way to kick start the day with plenty of vitamins and minerals. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, which helps control your blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Registered dietitians recommend eating a variety of fruits for a healthy breakfast. The most common are berries, apples, bananas and grapefruit.
They’re all low in calories and contain important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.
If you’re watching your calories, choose lower-calorie varieties like rhubarb, melon, peaches and cherries instead of high-calorie options like mangos, bananas and grapes. Fruits are also a good source of water, which helps you feel full and boost energy throughout the day.
Vegetables
Vegetables are rich in nutrients and have a low glycemic index, making them an ideal option for those trying to manage their blood sugar or lose weight.
Vegetables also are high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and keeps your bowels moving smoothly. This helps keep your bad cholesterol levels low and can reduce your risk of certain cancers.
Getting a variety of vegetables is crucial for healthy eating, so make sure to include them in every meal and snack. This will ensure you get enough of these essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy body.
For women, the daily recommended amount of vegetables is two and a half cups. Men should aim for three cups a day, and active adults should get even more.
Whole-Grain
Including whole grains in your diet can help control cholesterol levels and weight. They also lower your risk of diabetes and some cancers.
A good place to start is with a healthy breakfast. There are lots of delicious options that contain whole-grain cereal.
The best way to know if the cereal you’re buying is made with whole grains is to check the ingredient list. Make sure the first ingredient is a grain like wheat, oats or rye.
In addition to being a great source of fiber, whole grains are also rich in vitamin E and B vitamins. They can also boost your energy and may even help you live longer.