Did your mother ever tell you that breakfast was the most important meal of the day? My mom sure did... and all my friends’ moms did, too. According to an article by The Atlantic, though, eating too early in the day used to be frowned upon in the Medieval Ages. So, what changed over the last few centuries?
Breakfast is the first meal taken after rising from a night's sleep and always eaten in the early morning before undertaking the day's work. It wasn't until the 15th century that "breakfast" (breaking your nightly fast) came into use in written English to describe a morning meal. But there’s more to breakfast than simply eating a meal to start your day. If you choose healthier options, it can help both mentally and physically by encouraging your mind to focus and give your body the important vitamins and nutrients it needs to keep moving.
Nowadays, it's common for many of us to skip breakfast because we're running late and rushing to get things done as soon as the alarm goes off. Remember, food is fuel for your body! If you skip this all-important meal, you might find yourself eating a quick snack that’s high in fat and sugar—which can lead to an unproductive morning. So, how do you have a quick and healthy breakfast when you don’t have the time?
Here are a few suggestions for healthier options that can be prepared in a few minutes and even eaten on the go.
- Try this microwave breakfast sandwich that's full of fiber.
- Make instant oatmeal with low-fat milk instead of water. Toss in raisins or dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for added flavor.
- Layer low-fat plain yogurt with your favorite crunchy whole-grain cereal and top with blueberries for a delicious parfait.
- Blend your breakfast! Try this mango banana smoothie recipe.
- Spread a flour tortilla with peanut butter, add a whole banana, and roll it up for a breakfast wrap. If you want bite-sized pieces, try chopping them up.
- Add lean ham and low-fat Swiss cheese to a toasted whole-grain English muffin.
If your taste buds just don’t crave traditional breakfast foods, try these choices:
- Spread hummus on a whole-grain toasted bagel with cucumber and tomato slices on top.
- Mix a small bowl of low-fat cottage cheese with fruit.
- Cover a corn tortilla with mashed avocado, black beans, salsa, and low-fat shredded cheddar cheese.
No meal should be stressful, especially the first one of the day. Make it simple and easy! Try preparing some things ahead of time so you can grab them on the go, too. One of the most important things you can do for your body is keeping it healthy, and eating the most important meal of the day is a great way to do just that.