You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? The whole idea behind breakfast is to have a strong start to your day, so why do so many people skip it altogether?
Surveys show that the No. 1 reason that people say they skip breakfast is to lose weight. But research shows that skipping breakfast often leads to increased calorie consumption, unhealthy food choices and weight gain. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply live a healthier life, do yourself a favor and don’t skip breakfast. Here’s how to make breakfast a healthy habit:
Get an early start. Put breakfast at the top of your morning to-do list. Eating a quality meal early can kick-start your metabolism and get your body going. If you feel like you’re lacking energy in the morning, eating breakfast early also can give your body the fuel it needs to get energized and your brain what it needs to focus on what you’re doing. You’ll also be more likely to avoid a mid-morning slump and less tempted to reach for an unhealthy snack.
Choose filling and healthy foods. It’s easy to eat something simply for the sake of saying you ate breakfast. The right foods, however, can make all the difference when you’re trying to meet health, wellness and weight loss/management goals. Foods high in protein and fiber are great choices for the first meal of the day. Avoid sugary pastries or muffins, which are full of empty calories and sugar. Instead, opt for protein-rich food such as eggs or nuts paired with high-fiber food such as fresh fruit and/or oatmeal. Speaking of eggs, did you know that they contain Vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc, which are all vital to eye health?
While it might be tempting to reach for a breakfast which is tasty, however, it’s important to strike the right balance. A breakfast steak can provide a hearty dose of protein, keeping you feeling full and energized throughout the morning. When paired with a refreshing salad rich in fiber and nutrients, it becomes a wholesome choice that supports your weight management objectives. Skip the sugary pastries and instead, learn more about how to make this recipe to kickstart your day with a nutritious and satisfying breakfast that sets you on the path to a healthier lifestyle.
Pick portions wisely. Large portion sizes, even when you’re consuming healthy foods, can undermine your efforts to maintain a healthy weight. Become a pro at picking proper portions by knowing what a reasonable serving really looks like. You want to eat enough to give your body the energy that it needs, but if you overdo it, you’ll feel sluggish and sleepy. Try splitting your plate into three sections: protein, carbohydrates, and fruits/vegetables.
Grab breakfast and go. If you’re hurrying to get out of the door in the morning, pack a protein- and fiber-rich breakfast the night before so that you don’t skip the most important meal of the day or turn to sugary food from a restaurant or vending machine instead. When you get to work, you can fuel up quickly and have a better start to your day.
Did you know that more older adults are driving than ever before? In general, seniors are safe drivers relative to other age groups. Adults ages 65+ are good at wearing safety belts, observing speed limits, engaging in less risky on-the-road behavior and not drinking and driving. On the other hand, older people generally don’t see or hear as well, are slower to react, and may have trouble making quick decisions about distance, speed and the movement of vehicles around them. Plus, they may have trouble turning to look over their shoulders at other vehicles.