Change Your Life: Eat Breakfast!

In Egypt, they eat a dish called ful medames (fava beans) and pita bread. In Japan rice and miso soup is the preferred choice. And in Germany, soft boiled eggs, fresh bread from the local bakery, cold cuts, jams, and sweet rolls stimulate the senses. No matter where you are in the world, breakfast is the best way to start the day and part of the proof is in sheer number of traditional tasty breakfast items on the menu.

In America, coffee-on-the-go is king as well as muffins, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and other quick bites. Although eating “something” is better than nothing first thing in the morning, experts say it’s best to swap the sugary stuff (and greasy foods) for fresh healthy foods that offer more than a jolt that fades within a few hours. Before we talk about how you can make breakfast better, take a look at just a few benefits of resisting the urge to skip that all important first meal of the day.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, adults and children can reap the same benefits of starting the day with a healthy breakfast.

Breakfast eaters:

• Are better at interacting with others at work and at school
• Concentrate better than non-breakfast eaters  and perform problem-solving tasks better
• Have improved memory and are more attentive
• Are less likely to call in sick or show up late to work or school
• Get more vitamins and nutrients than those that do not eat breakfast. They get more calcium, dietary fiber, folate, protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and more.
• Are less likely to be overweight
• Are less likely to overeat, meaning they usually have healthier eating habits and make smarter choices throughout the day

According to the Mayo Clinic, breakfast eaters also have lower cholesterol levels and more strength and endurance to handle whatever physical challenges may come their way during the day.

To enjoy the many benefits of eating breakfast, you have to do it daily and choose the right foods. First, forget the calorie-laden coffee drinks and opt for 100% fruit juice or low-sodium vegetable juice, tea, plain coffee, or water.  Soy, almond milk, and low-fat milk are also excellent choices. Next, ditch the fast-food breakfast sandwiches, donuts, Danishes, and other sugary eats and choose yogurt, whole grain cereal or toast, fruit, nuts, or oatmeal instead. Finally, fruit should always be on the menu. Bananas, berries, melons, apples, oranges or just about any fresh fruit you can think of should be eaten at breakfast and throughout the day.

While it is perfectly ok to have pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy or other rich breakfasts every now and then, try not to stray too often, and stick to healthy staples that will keep you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed well beyond the 12 o’clock whistle.