September is Better Breakfast Month – so let’s give our breakfast routine a makeover!

 We have all heard that ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for good reason! Not only does breakfast provide us with energy for the day, but what you choose to eat helps set a daily intention. While many of us overlook the importance of breakfast and find it hard to fit into our busy schedules, there is some persuasive logic behind why we should ensure that we start our morning with a nutritious meal. Before reaching for a packaged on-the-go breakfast, let’s learn more about why it is the most important meal of the day.

• Studies have found that people who eat a healthy breakfast are less likely to be overweight or obese when compared to breakfast skippers.
• Enjoying a healthy breakfast can lead to more energy throughout the day, making it less likely that you overeat later on and keeping blood sugar levels stable.
• Another advantage to including a healthy breakfast in your diet is the positive kick start your body receives upon eating it. As we sleep, our metabolism slows down. A nutrient-dense first meal, the breaking of our nightly fast, jump-starts the metabolism.
• The first source of energy each day, what we eat is also what we are feeding our brains. A healthy breakfast promotes clearer thinking and allows us to better concentrate on mental tasks.

 So, what exactly is a healthy breakfast? The first meal of the day should contain a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. Eating the right types of carbs for breakfast is the best way to stay full and feel energized throughout the day. Protein is important because it also helps keep you feeling full longer. Healthy fats slow the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream helping to avoid major insulin spikes which can cause many undesirable outcomes.

Now that you’ve heard the benefits of this magical meal, how are you going to start each day? What morning meal makes you feel the best? Let’s reap the benefits of healthy eating starting with a nutritious breakfast.