Dear Rachel,
There is all this buzz about eating egg whites for a healthy start to the day and as a way to lose holiday weight gain. But, I don’t like eggs! What else can I eat for breakfast that is healthy?
Sincerely,
Hungry in the Morning
Dear Hungry in the Morning,
So glad you asked this question! There are so many options for you! Don’t despair! Eating breakfast is extremely important to start your day! You wouldn’t expect your car to go anywhere without gas in the tank. So, why would you expect to be able to start your day without the right fuel? Eat something. And I recommend a balanced meal with protein, carb and healthy fat. Here are 3 breakfast options:
1. Oatmeal with fruit is a great way to start your morning! Oatmeal contains a number of healthy nutrients, including protein, complex carbohydrates, and a little heart-healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. a great habit that’s easy to follow. Oatmeal tastes great and the body digests oatmeal at a slower pace, keeping blood sugar levels steady, energy levels up, and reduces hunger cravings. Oatmeal allows you to feel more full all morning and you will be able to resist the temptation to snack. A good oatmeal breakfast is definitely part of a clean eating diet plan that will help you drop weight easily.
2. Almond butter (or peanut or cashew or sunflower) on whole grain toast. It’s a simple breakfast packed with lots of good nutrition. There is no right brand to use, it’s totally up to you. I would just make sure to look that the ingredients are pure and does not contain added sugar. I love to toast the bread and then spread the nut butter on (it melts nice and gooey) and then I like to add toppings (whatever I am in the mood for- sliced banana, strawberries, coconut flakes, dried cherries or apricots, or just a drizzle of honey.
3. Greek yogurt with fruit. Interestingly, four ounces each day will allow you to be sniffle-free in cold winter months. A study found that women eating this amount had much stronger and more active T cells, which battle colds and infections. Yogurt is full of healthy bacteria that fights off harmful bugs. Pressed for time in the morning? Make it the nite before! Fill pint-size mason jars with alternating layers of plain Greek yogurt and fruit. Cover and store in the fridge until breakfast and enjoy at home or at the office. Wishing you could go to the islands to get a break from the cold winter? I have a quick fix- try a tropical morning breakfast bowl. Top 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 cut-up kiwi and 1/2 cut-up banana (freeze the other half for smoothies). Sprinkle with a handful of chopped unsalted roasted cashews or unsweetened coconut flakes.
There are so many more healthy breakfast options and I am happy to talk to you! Contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com