Breakfast of Champions

Benefits of Breakfast

Eating breakfast in the morning is important for many reasons:

• Energy: Breakfast provides energy-boosting carbohydrates to get you going in the morning; such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and fruit. Pairing these carbohydrates with protein such as yogurt or a hard boiled egg and toast are other great ways to provide our body with energy to power through the day.
• Boost Memory: By fueling the body with complex carbohydrates such as whole grains in the morning, the brain receives adequate carbohydrate to function.
• Weight Maintenance: Breakfast has been shown to reduce the intake of calories throughout the rest of the day, thus preventing weight gain. In addition, those who eat breakfast have been shown to make healthier food choices throughout the day to positively impact health.
• Improved School Performance: Researchers have shown that students who consume breakfast perform better academically. Breakfast not only provides adequate nutrients to fuel the brain, it also alleviates hunger to help aid in concentration.

Stepping Up Your Breakfast Game

• Incorporate whole grains: Whole grains make you feel full longer and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
• Protein-Carbohydrate Combinations: By consuming protein-carbohydrate combinations in the morning, it can provide the body with many nutrients to help maintain adequate health.
• Start the 5-a-day: Breakfast is an ideal time to start the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables for the day. A few ways to include fruit into morning breakfast include adding a banana or berries to oatmeal or cereal or having a glass of fruit juice. In order to add vegetables to breakfast options include: adding tomatoes or avocado to toast or chopped peppers, broccoli, or spinach to a morning omelet.
• Stay hydrated: Since the body has gone all night without fluids, it is important to include a beverage with breakfast. To prevent dehydration start your day with a glass of water or fruit juice. Coffee and tea are also acceptable but aren't as hydrating as other beverages due to their caffeine content.
• Build breakfast into your routine: If you aren't hungry in the morning take breakfast with you on the go or bring it with you. As long as you eat within the first couple hours of the day you will receive the benefits of consuming breakfast.