We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It jump-starts your metabolism and helps get you ready for the busy day ahead of you. But what makes good breakfast foods?
Is cereal healthy? Are eggs better than toast or pancakes? There are countless healthy breakfast foods that can be added to your nutrient-packed morning meal, but I’ve narrowed it down to three foolproof choices! And here are my top 5 healthy foods for the main dishes and desserts.
Eggs
Why did I not eat a lot of eggs?
Eggs are not only a versatile cooking ingredient but also have impressive health credentials.
Growing up in Vietnam, the things I heard about eggs often perplexed me. My family didn’t eat them very often—not because they were expensive, or because we had little money. They said that if you ate eggs without enough iodine in your diet, it could cause eye problems.
It was more of a superstitious belief rather than scientific reasoning. That is probably why Vietnamese people at the time didn’t grow to their full potential, and everyone in my extended family has a petite figure. We sadly did not eat enough eggs.
Eggs are a magical, ancient food that possesses endless secrets. They are one of the most complete breakfast foods we can eat, providing an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Why eggs? An eggcellent question!
They are inexpensive, easy to find and make for a great portable meal. Eggs contain all the amino acids your body can’t manufacture on its own.
One egg a day keeps the risk of strokes and heart diseases away.
Ever heard of that? Probably not, because I just said that. Lol.
But eggs contain vitamin D, which strengthens our bones and prevents osteoporosis. They make for the perfect breakfast food and help tremendously with weight management because they are filling without being fattening.
Eggs also contain choline, which is an important nutrient for many aspects of brain health. Choline helps keep our brains sharp as we age; it improves memory function and slows down cognitive decline in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It also helps prevent depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which improves mood and reduces anxiety symptoms associated with depression.
Eggs are also important for pregnant women because they contain all the nutrients required for proper fetal development. And lastly: eggs just taste good!
Researchers discovered that adding two eggs a day to your breakfast foods regime will lower your bad (LDL) cholesterol.
I find it impossible to resist sunny-side-up eggs. I can’t help but smile when I see their bright yellow yolk.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains soluble and insoluble fiber, which has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also help protect against diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels, providing a steady stream of energy—a feat requiring no ‘Energizer bunny’ behind your back.
If you want to avoid the temptation of visiting a vending machine for a snack, eating a delicious bowl of oatmeal on your breakfast foods menu will help you get through the morning.
Oats are full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in your body.
Nowadays, many of us work from home; our need for this nutritious food is greater than ever. The variety of antioxidants found in oats protects against coronary heart diseases and skin irritation.
Greek Yogurt
A delicious and healthy way to start your day
Greek yogurt has a wide range of health benefits that can improve your overall health and well-being.
The first thing you should know about Greek yogurt is that it’s not just regular yogurt with some extra water taken out, as most people think. Greek yogurt contains almost twice as much protein as regular yogurt, with a third less sugar, half the carbs, and three-quarters less salt. It’s also thicker because it’s strained of whey during production. The result is a denser, creamier consistency that means you can add nuts and other goodies without them floating in the regular watery yogurt.
Greek yogurt contains high levels of calcium (not as much as regular yogurt though), proteins, probiotics, vitamin B12, and other nutrients that can aid in your daily health maintenance and provide relief for certain ailments.
Greek yogurt and regular yogurt have nearly identical ingredients, except for nutrients. They differ in texture and protein content in ways that make them both beneficial to a healthy breakfast foods diet.
It’s time to get Greek
I’m talking about Greek yogurt, of course. But what is it exactly? And why should you care? Let me tell you…
If you’re looking to lose weight, Greek yogurt can help. It makes you feel fuller for a longer amount of time than regular yogurt, so it’s easier to resist snacking on junk food. It also contains probiotics that help restore healthy bacteria in your gut and improve digestion, so if you eat it daily, you’ll probably experience less stress and anxiety than those who don’t.
And if that wasn’t enough reason to get into the yogurt game, there’s more: eating Greek yogurt regularly can also improve bone health and help build muscle mass! So what are you waiting for? Go grab some Greek yogurt today!
Conclusion
It’s important to know that there are many more healthy breakfast options, but these three are by far the best. Eggs are your best bet if you want something simple and easy to make.
The recommended foods to eat daily are whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and fruits. Healthy breakfast foods should contain these foods to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs in the morning. While we may feel rushed in the morning, there are ways to make a quickie happen. Tsk tsk.
