Whether you like eggs, oatmeal or a bowl of fruit, there are plenty of options to choose from that will keep your belly satisfied.
But does it really matter if you eat the same breakfast every day? It’s all about how you eat the rest of the day.
1. It saves you time
Breakfast is a great way to get in all of the necessary nutrients you need for a healthy day. It’s also a great time to eat foods that are low in sugar.
Many people who skip breakfast feel sluggish, which can affect their mental health and performance at work. It can also make it harder for them to focus and remember things.
It’s important to have a well-balanced breakfast that contains protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates. Foods like oatmeal, whole grain breads, nut butter and yogurt can help you feel fuller longer.
Having meals you prepare ahead of time can also save you time and money. Take an inventory of the items you already have in your pantry, freezer and refrigerator and plan meals that use them.
Getting into the habit of meal planning can help you stick to a healthier eating style, especially when you have to work and school. It can also prevent you from making poor food choices, like grabbing fast food instead of making a healthy meal at home.
2. It prevents you from overeating
Many people overeat for a variety of reasons. They might feel hungry or stressed, or they might eat something that’s tempting but not healthy.
Eating the same breakfast every day can help to ensure that you eat enough nutrients at other meals, which is important for weight management. If you find that your diet lacks essential nutrients, it’s worth working with a dietitian who can help you determine the best ways to meet your needs.
It’s also helpful to avoid eating foods that are high in sugar and inflammatory oils. These foods can be harmful to your health in the long term, as they can increase your risk of obesity and other diseases.
Eating the same meal every day can help you keep track of your portion sizes, which can prevent you from overeating. In addition, if you go to a restaurant where everyone is eating the same size portions, you may not be as tempted to overeat because you know that the rest of the group is on a similar path to healthy eating.
3. It prevents you from making poor food choices
If you’re on a weight management plan, eating the same breakfast every day can help keep you focused and energized. You might even find that you eat less at other meals.
A healthy breakfast can be a combination of proteins, whole grains and fruits or vegetables. It’s also important to drink plenty of water.
The best way to avoid poor food choices is to read labels carefully and make sure you understand what each food item contains. Choose the highest-quality ingredients, such as whole-grain cereals and fruit juice.
Getting into the habit of a healthy breakfast is easier than you might think. It might require some time and effort to make sure you have a few good options on hand, but it’s worth the extra work in the long run. Taking a look at the CDC’s list of 10 foods to eat every day can get you started. Or, you can download a free mobile app to find a selection of healthful options on the go!
4. It prevents you from gaining weight
There are a lot of choices to make in the morning, and it can be exhausting trying to decide what you’re going to eat. The same goes for lunch, snacks, and even dinner.
According to Food & Wine, this can lead to what’s called decision fatigue. That means you’re so exhausted by the time it’s time to choose your next meal or snack that you end up making a bad choice and eat less than what you should.
Eating the same breakfast every day can help you avoid that. Having the same food to choose from means you’re not spending a bunch of time deciding what to eat, and it also saves you from wasting energy on nutrient-poor foods.
In addition, it can keep you from overeating during the rest of your day because it gives you a consistent energy source to start off your day. And it can also ensure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.