Are you feeling the effects of fatigue by 10am, experiencing fuzzy brain by 11, and tired of feeling tired all of the time? No matter what challenges you’re facing in the day ahead, a good breakfast is the fuel you need to push through it like a pro. Here are some breakfast mistakes to avoid and some easy ‘fix it’ solutions so that you remain alert, enthusiastic and productive all morning long!
Too Much Juice Can Be Harmful to Your Waistline
One of the most common American breakfast drinks is juice. The problem is, processed bottle juice that you may have stocked in your fridge comes from concentrate, may contain preservatives or color additives, and can be high in added sugar. If you can’t imagine breakfast without juice, splurge on a juicer and make your own from home, or buy bottled, fresh squeezed juice.
Beware of Munching on ‘Healthy Muffins’
If you’ve gotten in the habit of munching on morning muffins (even the low-fat kind), then you’re really not doing your waistline, metabolism, energy, productivity level or ability to ‘get more done’ any favors. In fact, you’re putting yourself in a major disadvantage considering breakfast foods high in simple carbs like even higher in sugar (muffins, pastries, donuts, bagels). Beware of yummy, but waistline-expanding breakfast items, and instead reach for high protein, and high fiber breakfast foods to fill
You’re Fueling Up on Caffeine (and Not Much Else)
If you find yourself rushed to get out the door in the morning, then the chances of having a healthy breakfast are slim. In order to fuel your body and mind up properly, focus on the following: “eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.” Get creative with breakfast! There’s much more to choose from than, “How do you want your eggs?” Make chia seed pudding and store it in your fridge, or make muffin tin egg, broccoli and cheese soufflés which you can freeze until you’re ready to eat. By filling up on a high nutrient breakfast, you can be sure that your food really is the fuel you need to go strong all morning long!
A Protein Packed Weekday Recipe You Won’t Want to Miss
If you want to start your morning with a protein packed breakfast, there’s a great way to fuel up, with bold flavor and plenty of nutrients to keep your brain going, and your energy revved up. A quinoa filled porridge dressed with orange, cranberry and toasted almonds, you’ll never want to go back to eggs and English muffins again:
- 2 lbs. quinoa
- 1 ½ quarts water
- 1 t. kosher salt
- 1 q. soy milk
- 1/3 c. honey
- 1 ½ c. dried cranberries
- 1 t. orange zest
- I cup of toasted almonds
Add salt to boiling water and add quinoa. Immediately remove from the heat and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Next, stir in the honey, soy milk, orange zest and dried cranberries. Mix well and add more honey or cranberries until you get to desired sweetness. Top with toasted almonds and serve hot. Enjoy!
