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Great Breakfast Foods

by Abby Michaels
  • It's no secret that breakfast is an important meal, arguably the most important meal of the day. Our bodies work hard while we sleep, processing all that we ate, drank and did the previous day. The first meal after a long fast should provide our bodies with fuel and vital nutrients to get us started and help to sustain us over the course of the day.
    A great breakfast can come in many colors, forms and tastes
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  • Lean Proteins

    Protein helps fill us up and can stave off hunger for a substantial period of time. The reasons protein makes us feel full aren't fully understood, but are widely agreed upon by dietitians and those who try to lose or maintain a healthy weight. You have a wide range of lean protein choices to start your morning. Some may choose sausage, bacon or eggs as their protein sources, and while acceptable in moderation, these are not your only protein choices, nor are they the most healthy ones. You may find yourself going off the beaten path to fill the protein-designated destination of your morning plate. A hard boiled egg, egg whites, a spoonful of peanut butter smeared on toast, a cup of cow's or soy milk, a vegetarian breakfast protein such as soy sausage or bacon can all be delicious protein powerhouses. To really step out of the box, beans, with their high fiber content, can pack a one-two punch with their high protein content.
    Peanut butter and toast are a powerful combination
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  • Fresh Fruits

    Fruits are easily and readily digested by most people, which makes them a very good thing to eat straight away at breakfast. Our bodies don't have to work to process them, so they are receiving nutrients without doing any additional work. If you are going to eat one thing in the morning just to get started, a piece of fruit is a smart choice. Bananas give you potassium you need, especially if you plan to perform cardiovascular exercise soon after eating. A crunchy apple will provide you with a good dose of fiber, while an orange will give you a vitamin C explosion. Fresh or frozen fruits can easily be added to a protein drink or shake, or you can make a fresh smoothie of your own with a blend of several favorite fruits.
    A fresh fruit salad can get your morning off to a lively start
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  • Whole Grains and Cereals

    Whole grains and cereals are highly filling and satisfying breakfast foods, and are often the food of choice for those trying to control cholesterol or diabetes. Whole grains help to maintain blood sugar since their carbohydrates burn more slowly and evenly in our bloodstream. Oatmeal with added fresh fruit and cinnamon is one great combination to fill you up quickly and keep you feeling full for a sustained period of time. You may also choose whole grain breads prepared as toast. If you choose to eat cold cereals, you want to read the ingredients carefully to ensure that they are truly made from whole grains.
    Oatmeal doesn't have to be bland and boring
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  • Dairy or Dairy Alternatives

    Eating or drinking a recommended serving of these dairy products, or soy alternative if you are lacto-intolerant or vegan, can help you to meet your daily calcium requirement. They are also all versatile and can easily be mixed with other food items to be quite tasty. Mix cottage cheese or yogurt with your favorite sliced fruit, and add a side of toast and you're set to go. Blend your favorite whole grain cereal with cow's milk or soy milk with fruit mixed in, and you'll have a healthy and deliciously satisfying breakfast.
    A cup of milk can provide calcium and protein
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  • An Occasional Breakfast Treat

    As long as your normal routine consists of a healthy breakfast that walks the caloric line, it's okay to sometimes stray with something special or sweet. Choose one morning a week to indulge in something special that you wouldn't ordinarily allow onto the menu. A doughnut is just one choice in the panoply of breakfast treats, along with pancakes filled with chocolate chips and sliced bananas, or waffles topped with blueberries and whipped cream, or a specially made cinnamon roll. Choose wisely, and don't go overboard, reminding yourself that you are doing something special for yourself and your taste buds, but at the end of the day, you want to continue your healthy lifestyle.
    A Saturday morning sweet treat
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