I’m not a mommy, yet, but I certainly am a girl on the go. A lot of my
clients that come to me for weight loss share a common trait, they’re
TOO BUSY to eat in the morning. My advice to everyone is the same:
“Start Your Day Off Right; Start with a Healthy Breakfast!”
Easier said than done though. I work out in the morning and I hardly
ever get up in time to make myself some nosh. I am out the door in 15
minutes, then rushing from the gym to get to work. By the time I’m at
my desk my stomach is sending out an S.O.S. and I know I’ve missed the
ship yet again.
I’d like to say that I would use that hour before work in the morning
to make myself a yummy and nutritious breakfast and go to the gym
after work, but I’m admittedly one of those people that if I don’t do
it in the morning I will not go at all. We all have our flaws, and I
think admitting where you need help is an important part of making a
positive change.
My husband and I work long days and after dinner we like to reboot on
the couch. We chat about our day and relax with our fur-baby, Rosie
the King Charles Cavalier (I guess I am a mommy!) The last thing
either one of us wants to do is trek to the gym. Especially when the
weather is cold, and ESPECIALLY if there’s a new Real Housewives
episode on.
Lately, I’ve been much better about breakfast and my waistline can
prove it. Getting your calories in before lunch is important. It
prevents you from overeating later on in the day and sets the pace for
your metabolism early on. I promise by the end of this chat you’ll be
able to master “the art of breakfast in 5 minutes or less.”
Let’s break it down… Breakfast is important. I’m sure you’ve all heard
that breakfast is the most important meal of the day an to be honest,
it’s true. When we miss breakfast, we miss more than just a meal.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND ), a
nutritious breakfast is essential to health and gives us a head start
on our daily requirements of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Dolls (and guys, as well!) who start their day off with a healthy
breakfast tend to:
* meet their daily nutritional needs
* maintain a healthy weight
* have lower blood cholesterol levels
* make fewer visits to the doctor for gastrointestinal problems
Research also shows that starting your day off with a healthy
breakfast helps with calorie control for the rest of the day. This is
because breakfast jump-starts your metabolism — helping prevent those
mid-morning snack attacks and unhealthy binges that can sabotage a
healthy weight. The AND notes that Harvard University researchers
found adults who eat breakfast are nearly 50 percent less likely to be
obese compared with people who don’t eat breakfast. That alone seems
like a pretty good reason to start our days off with a bite to eat.
Studies also show that breakfast eaters tend to have more strength and
endurance plus better concentration and problem-solving abilities. On
the flip side, those who skip breakfast often feel tired, irritable or
restless in the morning.
Okay, now that I’ve convinced you that breakfast is important, and I’m
hoping you agree, let’s discuss the issue at hand: TIME! Most gals on
the go skip breakfast because they just don’t have enough time in the
morning. The good news? If you have to eat on the run, you can always
grab a piece of fresh fruit, low-fat string cheese, or a whole-grain
granola bar. But if you have even five minutes, or some time the night
before, you can make a quick, wholesome morning meal.
“But, Nicole, what can I REALLY make in five minutes?” Oh, I am so
glad you asked me! Here we go ladies, the top five breakfasts in five
minutes or less:
1. 2 Frozen whole-grain waffles with cup of yogurt and your favorite fruit
2. 1 Whole-grain breakfast wrap with a whole wheat tortilla, turkey
and low-fat cheese
3. 3/4 cup of Ready-to-eat, whole-grain cereal and a piece of fruit
4. 1 packet Instant oatmeal with 2 tbsp. nuts
5. Fruit smoothie (Blend 1 cup of low-fat milk, 4 ounces yogurt and 1
cup of your favorite fruit)
6. RECIPE-My favorite oatmeal: 2 packets of oatmeal, 2 medium sliced apple, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 C of water, 2 Tb chopped walnuts (or nut of your choice). Combine in a bowl and mix well, heat in skillet over medium heat until apples are tender. Makes 2 servings. 210 kcal 2g Fat 7g Protein 6g Dietary Fiber 15g Sugar.
So there you have it! Whether you’re a new mommy, fiancé, or an
independent domestic goddess, we all need breakfast. You may not think
you have time but you deserve a great start to your day. Five minutes
is all you need to jumpstart that metabolism and set you on your way
for a fabulous day.
XXOO
Nicole the RD
Comments 1
Thanks very nice blog!