What's for Breakfast?

What does the word breakfast really mean? For most of us, the time between supper and morning is a time for fasting. When we sleep, we are recharging our bodies. Each morning is a perfect opportunity to set the stage for the day.

How will you begin your day? Many studies suggest that those that take the time to eat breakfast are more successful in maintaining a healthy weight. Why is this? Many people think that by skipping breakfast you are able to cut calories. The problem lies when mid morning/lunch time sneaks up on you. When your body is starving, you are less likely to make healthy eating decisions, rather grabbing for a quick fix to end your hunger pains. This in turn starts the sugar crashing cycle for the afternoon (you know that cycle when you continue to reach for the quick “fix” of junk food).

So take the time to prepare a healthy breakfast to start your day off right! Breakfast does not have to be complicated in order to be healthy. A bowl of oatmeal paired with fruit and maybe a side of nuts is light enough to feel healthy, but packed with protein, to keep you full and energized until lunch.

My newest favorite breakfast is muesli, I love that I can start it in the evening and it is ready when I wake up. Here is my version:

·      1 cup (organic) rolled oats

·      2 cups (organic) plain yogurt

·      ¼ cup ground flax seeds

·      ~ 1/8 cup maple syrup to taste (or sweeter of choice)

o   Makes 3-4 servings.

Mix ingredients together in bowl and place in refrigerator overnight. In the morning you may have to add additional yogurt/milk to get a consistency you like. Add fresh fruit (bananas and strawberries are my favorite) and enjoy!