Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day!
Studies have shown cognitive function is greatly improved when breakfast is consumed daily. This is particularly apparent in studies examining effects on the academic performance of children: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15883552?ordinalpos=14&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
Skipping breakfast can contribute to the development of gallbladder disease. When you don't eat breakfast you decrease gallbladder contractions and your ability to empty bile. This can lead to the formation of painful gallstones: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gallstones.htm
Eating a nutritious breakfast has blood sugar stabilizing effects which can set the energy tone for the entire day. How can we make this meal healthy and appealing? Let's explore some interesting new ideas for the spring and summer months. Try to think of breakfast in a new way!
Upon rising your body is thirsty for water. Here are some fresh options for water and nutrient-rich foods that can help hydrate the system:
Naturally you may find some things are better suited to the days where you are pressed for time while others are perfect for a weekend breakfast. Remember that variety will keep this meal more enticing. Give something new and interesting a try this week!
Studies have shown cognitive function is greatly improved when breakfast is consumed daily. This is particularly apparent in studies examining effects on the academic performance of children: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15883552?ordinalpos=14&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
Skipping breakfast can contribute to the development of gallbladder disease. When you don't eat breakfast you decrease gallbladder contractions and your ability to empty bile. This can lead to the formation of painful gallstones: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gallstones.htm
Eating a nutritious breakfast has blood sugar stabilizing effects which can set the energy tone for the entire day. How can we make this meal healthy and appealing? Let's explore some interesting new ideas for the spring and summer months. Try to think of breakfast in a new way!
Upon rising your body is thirsty for water. Here are some fresh options for water and nutrient-rich foods that can help hydrate the system:
- Organic kefir or organic yogurt topped with fresh fruit and chopped walnuts and almonds
- salad of mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, yellow pepper, and carrots with miso dressing or a vinaigrette with an egg on the side or perhaps a small portion of a cooked whole grain such as quinoa (protein rich!), millet, or buckwheat (kasha)
- tabouleh salad made with plenty of fresh parsley, tomatoes, scallions, and whole wheat bulgur
- hot or cold vegetable soup like gazpacho, carrot, or miso with vegetables
- cold soba (buckwheat) noodles topped with a little toasted sesame oil, chopped scallions and steamed vegetables or salad
On the days you have time to spare, you might enjoy a vegetable omelet. Use whatever vegetables you prefer. Leftover quinoa, millet or buckwheat can be a good base for meatless vegetable burgers with perhaps some cultured vegetables on the side. These are versatile and can be served for any meal.
The principle to keep in mind is any food you enjoy can be explored as a breakfast option. During a recent trip to Japan I had the opportunity to eat the traditional Japanese breakfast. It consisted of miso soup with seaweed, steamed rice, a small piece of egg omelet, salad, pickled vegetables, and green tea. It was scrumptious and kept me energized for plenty of sightseeing before stopping for a late lunch.Naturally you may find some things are better suited to the days where you are pressed for time while others are perfect for a weekend breakfast. Remember that variety will keep this meal more enticing. Give something new and interesting a try this week!
