It’s been called the “most important meal of the day.” There are numerous studies that support the need for a healthful, satiating breakfast. Not only does it improve metabolism and aid in reaching in maintaining an ideal weight, it has also been linked to improved concentration and better behavior among school age students. The reasons to eat breakfast seem so clear and yet I often hear of individuals skipping it. Why? Here are the excuses I hear and the perfect solutions for them…
I don’t have time…
Sure you do…you just use it to check your email and see what is trending that morning. Or you are occupied making sure everyone else gets out the door. A healthful breakfast doesn’t have to take a long time to prepare. It takes just a minute to toast a whole grain waffle and top it with peanut or other nut butter. Or consider making breakfast the day or night before. Using a slow cooker you can cook hearty oatmeal…while you sleep and wake to a warm breakfast. (It’s like living in your own bed and breakfast!)
But then I’ll get hungrier during the day…
Sounds strange but I’ve heard many times that you don’t want to eat breakfast because then you are hungrier during the day…as if breakfast weakens your willpower to avoid food? That sounds ridiculous because it is! When you eat breakfast, you kick start your metabolism and get your body going. Yes, this means you are likely to be hungry again but that is a sign of your fantastic ability to burn calories effectively and be ready for more, which can lead to weight loss!
It’s just too early for me to eat…
Depending on your commute or when the school bus comes you may need to get up very early. I understand that for some it feels like your body isn’t “awake enough” to eat. If you relate to this then I suggest first aiming to simply eat within an hour of waking…this gives you a little more time to wake up. If you can only tolerate a little bit I recommend a well balanced granola bar or even just a bit of trail mix, which is an easy thing to snack on (even for some school children). I also suggest a healthful smoothie or other drink that can sneak in many of your nutrients but may be easier to tolerate.
Breakfast is boring…
OK I can understand the complaint that breakfast is boring if you are choosing the same thing day after day. Of course, the solution to this is simple…get creative! There is nothing boring about Quinoa Fruit Bake or make ahead Breakfast Grain Salad. Bring in big flavor with quiche , a breakfast burrito or other sandwich.
My kids just don’t like any breakfast foods…
If your kids don’t like breakfast foods then the answer is simple…avoid them! Keeping in mind that the key is to make sure your child’s breakfast includes adequate protein, there is absolutely nothing wrong with starting your day with a chicken cutlet or spaghetti and meatballs. Or for a more simple option offer a good old PB&J or turkey sandwich. With the right ingredients you children can still get several whole grains, protein and healthful fat before school.