There’s a reason why so many of us put such an emphasis on the food we eat and the fluids we drink: they’re the fuel that keeps our engine running! And, there’s a reason breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. If you’re looking to start the day with all the energy you can muster, then it’s important that you’re starting your day with all the right things that’ll keep you going throughout the day. Breakfast sets the stage for what will play out for your day. Below, I suggest some things you may want in front of you as you begin your day.
Start the Day with a Large Glass of Water
You’ve spent the whole night sleeping, but guess what? You’ve been losing fluid all that time — especially if you’ve been sweating. That’s why it’s important that you have a large glass of water as soon as you wake up; indeed, this is one of the most underrated ways to wake up. It’s free and simple, and will jolt your body into life after many hours of slumber. Before you move onto all the other tasty food and drinks that can use to form your breakfast, you’ll be readying yourself for a day of action: All thanks to good old H2O.
Mixing up the Fruit
And now that you’ve had your water, let’s think about the other natural goodness that nature provides: Fruit! Most people are content with having a banana or apple on their desk, but true go-getters know that the only way to start the day is with all the colors of the rainbow present in a bowl. Mix your favorite fruits all in one bowl, add some all-natural yogurt, and you’ll ensure that you’ve got a big dose of the all the essential vitamins that are oh-so-important to good all-around health. You won’t be able to achieve anything if you’re laid up in bed all the time!
A note about yogurt: Look for one that is high in protein and low in sugar. My favorites include Greek Gods, Zoi and Fage.
The Tried and Tested Way to Start the Day
Of course, not everything about having an energetic breakfast has to be new or exotic. The old tried and tested have a reputation for energy and alertness for a reason: They work. We’re talking, of course, about coffee. Rich in variety, they’ll provide the caffeine hit you need to feel alert and ready for action. Don’t like hot drinks when the weather is nice? Buy the best cold coffee maker, and get all the benefits of a cup of joe without the heat.
Breakfast of Champions
Some people make do with grabbing a snack and running out of the door. But you? Oh no, you’re different. To keep going all day, consider making what can only be described as a breakfast of champions. That’s eggs. Scrambled, poached, hard-boiled, no matter how you like to serve yours up, they are packed with protein that will fuel your body and keep you feeling fuller longer.
I just finished reading The Craving Cure by Julia Ross (review to be posted soon, but as a sneak peek — I really liked it!), and she recommends eating up to 10 eggs a week! They are an excellent source of protein and amino acids necessary for proper brain function. They are a great way to start the day.
Going Light
Not that there aren’t light options too! To keep things light footed, consider having a salmon bagel mixed with cream cheese, or a pancake with peanut butter on top. Full of energy and oh so delicious, you’ll be running around with energy to burn like it’s the last day on earth.
Take Charge of Your Health!
Changing your eating habits can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be if you take a little time to think it out and create a plan.
This Healthy Eating Worksheet will walk you through the process of creating a healthy eating plan. All you need to do is print it out, set aside some time to complete it, and then fill it out. Then you can create your plan, knowing that you have addressed potential obstacles and came up with some creative ways to handle them.
