31 Days of Healthy Living: Breakfast

For someone who enjoys eating as much as I do, you wouldn't think that adding a meal would be too hard.  But, breakfast does not come easily for me.  I like to sleep extra and drink extra coffee with lots of cream in the mornings, NOT eat extra calories.  It just seems silly.

BUT, I keep reading about the importance of eating breakfast as part of a healthy lifestyle and weight loss program.  SO... For 31 days, I'll be eating breakfast.

First, here are a few statistics on the benefits of breakfast:

- "According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat breakfast perform better in the classroom and on the playground, with better concentration, problem-solving skills, and eye-hand coordination" (Source)

- "One theory suggests that eating a healthy breakfast can reduce hunger throughout the day, and help people make better food choices at other meals. While it might seem you could save calories by skipping breakfast, this is not an effective strategy. Typically, hunger gets the best of breakfast-skippers, and they eat more at lunch and throughout the day" (Source)

- "... the successful losers followed by the National Weight Control Registry, all of whom have lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off at least one year. Some 80% of the people in the Registry regularly eat breakfast..." (Source)

- A Harvard study reported by BBC News found "They found that people who ate breakfast every day were a third less likely to be obese compared to those who skipped the meal... In addition, they were half as likely to have blood-sugar problems, which increase the risk of developing diabetes or having high cholesterol, which is a known risk factor for heart disease... The researchers believe that eating first thing in the morning may help to stabilise blood sugar levels, which regulate appetite and energy... They suggest people who eat breakfast are less likely to be hungry during the rest of the day and are, therefore, less likely to overeat" (Source)

- Furthermore, "it also jump-starts your metabolism, says Elisabetta Politi, RD, MPH, nutrition manager for the Duke Diet & Fitness Center at Duke University Medical School. 'When you don't eat breakfast, you're actually fasting for 15 to 20 hours, so you're not producing the enzymes needed to metabolize fat to lose weight'" (Source)

I think this might just be one of the easiest parts of healthy living.

SO, what will I be eating?

Here are a few of my favorite healthy breakfast options right now:

Nature's Valley Granola Thins - these are new, and they are delicious.  Plus, only 90 calories and easy to eat on my way to work (with something else too, of course)

Kashi GOLean Crisp! Toasted Berry Cereal - Buy this flavor and you will feel SUPER healthy (it has 9 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per cup), without feeling like you are chewing cardboard - Promise!  I LOVE this stuff mixed into yogurt.

Speaking of yogurt, this is a dream... Kroger CarbMaster Yogurt.  (If you don't have a Kroger, I don't really know what to tell you.  But, look around, because I'm sure other stores have a similar product!)  Not only is it inexpensive because it's generic brand... But it is also REALLY GOOD and great for you (80 calories)!  It is an awesome protein (12 grams) - which tends to be harder for me to work in.  With cereal and fresh fruit, this seriously tastes like something at a fancy breakfast restaurant! (Do I sound like a commercial or what?)

(Photo)

So, there you have it.  A few ideas to make a breakfast-eater out of you too!! :)

What do you eat for breakfast? 

I'm always open for a good suggestion...