Good morning everyone! 🙂
It’s a rainy Monday here, what about where you are??
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So you know how I’m obsessed with oatmeal right? Well before my obsession, I never used to think much of breakfast. I would still eat it though, because I knew I would be starving if I didn’t. Then I discovered the almighty oat, and my whole perspective of breakfast was changed. It’s my favorite meal of the day!!
Curious about the stats, I found out that about 31 million people skip breakfast every day. HOW?! Well I’m here to save you! There’s no need to go all out with an over-the-top breakfast spread, but all you need is a few quick and easy healthy choices to take full advantage of the benefits. If you’re STILL not a breakfast believer, these 5 reasons will have you re-thinking your philosophy.
#1: Quick Fix of Essential Nutrients
Wake up and give your body and quick boost of many much needed nutrients. Easy-to-prepare foods can give you a terrific nutritional bang for your buck. Milk and dairy products have you taking in 9 essential nutrients and they can help you meet your recommended 3 servings of dairy for the day. Fruits are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (plant compounds that help prevent and fight disease. Starting the day off with whole grains (LIKE OATS) can help meet the recommendation to make half your daily grains whole.
#2: Prevent Weight Gain
Did you know that skipping breakfast can actually cause a person to seek out higher calorie foods later in the day? Another interesting stat comes from the National Weight Loss Registry, where people sign up and report their habits once they lost weight and kept it off for over 5 years. On average, people who signed up for the weight loss registry lost 66 pounds and kept it off for 5 ½ years. 78% of these people report eating breakfast every day.
#3: Healthy Skin
Eggs aren’t only just for scrambling, they’re a nutritional punch!! These babies are packed with protein, vitamins A and D, and the antioxidant lutein known to help maintain healthy skin. Hard boil eggs and store in the fridge for a grab-and-go breakfast or cook up an easy over-easy or scrambled egg in minutes.
#4: Power Your Brain
Without food in the morning, it can be tough to concentrate and you’re more likely to be irritable and tired—this is true with both adults and kids. Kids who eat breakfast daily may perform better at school, increase math and reading scores, and improve memory and speed on cognitive tests compared to when they skip breakfast. FEED YOUR CHILDREN.
#5: Energy Boost
Your brain needs glucose to work efficiently. After going all night without food, it’s important to “feed your brain” by eating a well-balanced breakfast. This can also help you avoid that mid-morning slump, which typically happens when you skip your morning meal.
BUT WAIT!
Just because I said “eat breakfast” doesn’t mean you should eat something junky.
Don’t eat dessert for breakfast. If you think a cereal bar with 30 grams of sugar is a breakfast item, then think again. Some cereal bars contain nearly as much sugar and fat as a regular chocolate bar. One more word about labels… if it says, “Nutritious,” it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. Cereal manufacturers are experts in marketing, using words that send a message of health, but unless you read the labels, eat at your own risk. Kids’ cereals often have more sugar than sweets. Whatever your diet/live-it you follow, breakfast is one meal you don’t want to miss.
If you’re a parent, set a good example. By skipping breakfast, your kids will think it’s not important. Breakfast doesn’t have to be a big affair, but don’t wimp out! Make it a habit, and your kids will be way ahead of the game too! 🙂
Speaking of nutritious breakfast, check our my oats this morning!
This is why I love breakfast so much….for other oatmeal deliciousness, be sure to follow me on Instagram!
Have a magnificent Monday!! XOXO