We’ve all been there. The first rays of the morning sun are streaming in through the window, the dog is barking and you’ve already hit the snooze button a half-dozen times. Suddenly you snap out of your semi-conscious state and realize you’re running late for work. Is it any wonder that a wholesome breakfast (not to mention preparing lunch or contemplating dinner) is the least of our worries? Lack of time certainly can be an obstacle to good health. With a little knowledge and creativity, nutritious meals for the entire family can be prepared with little effort.
Start Your Day off Right
Even before the alarm goes off, there is a step that can ensure breakfast success: preparation. It is the essential ingredient to eating well in the morning. Breakfast sets the stage for your appetite for the entire day. Many commercial cereals contain the equivalent of six teaspoons of sugar per serving! A carbohydrate-rich breakfast leads to cravings for sugar and unhealthy snacking later in the day. Some protein in the morning is critical for lucid, swift thinking and alertness. Combine a protein-rich food with a source of fiber to stimulate digestion, metabolism, and to balance blood sugar. What can we grab that is healthy, quick and easy while we’re running out the door? How about a boiled egg (free-run, of course), sliced organic red peppers (that were prepared the night before) and a slice of whole grain toast? Some plain yogurt with fruit, or an apple with natural peanut butter will do the trick as well.
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