I know you have heard it a million times, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Americans tend to have backwards notions on food, and if you think of your meals as a direct source of energy, everything will come full circle.
Too often people think that they are too busy to eat breakfast or don’t have a morning appetite. Ironically though, the thought of skipping dinner is hardly ever up for discussion. Breakfast sets up the frame work for your entire day. People use most of their energy throughout the day; while in the evening things are slowing down as is your metabolic rate. If you start your day with an energy rich breakfast and end it with a light dinner, you will notice that you have more energy and brain power throughout the day, and you will most likely sleep better. Additionally, eating something in the morning will jump start your metabolism, assisting with weight loss or maintaining a healthy body weight.
Did you know?
A bagel with a "serving of cream cheese" from Dunkin Donuts can end up being over 500 calories?
Remember when Lender's Bagels used to make a normal size Bagel? That is a thing of the past. The average bagel is between 4 and 6 servings of bread! Its crazy.
If you really need the bagel in the morning, try substituting it with a Flagel-A flat bagel! All the tastes of a bagel, without all the middle bread to get lost in. English Muffins or Mini-Bagels are a good stand in too.
For the same 500 Calories you can have:
An english muffin 160 Cals
Nufchatel 1 oz 75 Cals
Cup of Strawberries 49 Cals
Hard Boil Egg 70 Cals
Low Fat Yogurt 100 Cals
1 Piece of Dark Chocolate 45 Cals
That's a pretty big breakfast.
Also be weary of the "multi-grain bagel" from Dunkin Donuts. {www.dunkindonuts.com}
Mutli Grain Bagel 390 Cals 8g/fat 9g/fiber 65g/carb 14g/protein
Wheat Bagel 320 Cals 3.5 g/ fat 5g/fiber 61g/carb 12g/protein
Although there is more fiber in a multi-grain bagel, there is much healthier way to increase your fiber for the day without increasing your fat and carb intake.
If you are not an early morning eater, bring your breakfast to work with you. Try starting your day with nutrient rich foods like eggs, high fiber cereals and breads, yogurt, fruits or veggies, and nuts. Breakfast for dinner was always a treat in my house, but there is nothing that says you can’t have dinner for breakfast. Switch it up! Be creative! And do what works best for you! I can promise you though, you will definitely have more energy, focus, and increased productivity if you start your day with a healthy breakfast.
No comments:
Post a Comment