What's for breakfast?

We hear all day long from kids, family, etc. "what's for dinner?" or "what am I going to make for dinner?"....but what about breakfast?? Many people do not eat breakfast for multiple reasons, the biggest excuse being I DON'T HAVE TIME! With how fast paced our society is, many people just simply don't make time for breakfast.

Let me tell you why you should eat breakfast every morning and persuade you with some delicious meal ideas to start your day!

Breakfast gives you the energy you need to start your day. Many people rely on coffee, 5- hour energy drinks, sodas, etc. to get them started in the morning. Why not try eating a little something for breakfast to go with that cup of coffee?? Eating a healthy breakfast is important to keep you alert at work or out and about. Breakfast helps to jump start your metabolism and get your body functioning. Without breakfast sometimes you might feel a bit sluggish!

Alot of research has been done over the years to find out if skipping breakfast has any connection to being overweight. If you are "dieting", you may think that skipping breakfast will help you lose weight....think again my friend! Skipping breakfast tends to make you overeat at other meals and wont allow you to get the appropriate amount of calories you need in a day. Eat structured meals throughout the day and try not to let your stomach get to the "growling" stage.....that means you have gone too long without a snack or meal.

Here are some helpful ways to fit breakfast in during your busy morning.

1. Wake up an extra 15 minutes everyday to eat a quick bowl of cereal

2. Pack some of those delicious WIC cereals in a little sandwich bag and take it along with you to eat at work or when you get to your destination

3. Pack/ make something the night before, so you just have to pop it in the microwave at work or before you leave. This way you don't have to worry with making something, its made the night before when you have a little more time.

4. Grab some cereal bars to tuck into your bag when leaving the house. It helps you avoid stopping for fast food and spending extra money.

5. Eat some fruit, its quick and easy, just grab and go!

Look for foods high in protein and fiber for breakfast!

Here are some ideas:

1. Instant oatmeal with some fruit and /or nuts mixed in

2. Whole grain cereal, dry or with low- fat or fat- free milk, add fruit!

3. Smoothies! Low-fat milk, frozen strawberries and a banana

4. Stuff a whole wheat pita with eggs and cheese

5. Whole grain toast with peanut butter

6. Omelet with turkey sausage and cheese

7. Fruit and low-fat yogurt with granola

* A small cup of 100% juice and/ or water are nice additions to breakfast!

If you don't normally eat breakfast, start slow with something small. I would challenge you to try eating breakfast for 2 weeks and see how much your energy level and alertness increases!

Happy eating!

-Christy Redmond, Nutritionist