Breakfast should be fun, actually all meals should be fun, not something you dread. Some will argue breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I may go slightly against the grain…. but only because I think every meal is important. This coincides with my principles of eating a balanced diet and giving your body what it needs to perform at its peak. Whether that be for all the decisions you will be making, the running around you will be doing, or whatever else (you can fill in your town blank _____________).
Before we get too far ahead, let us do a little self reflection. Answer these questions in your head or on paper:
- When was the last time you ate before bed?
- What did you have?
- Did it contain a carbohydrate and a protein?
- How many hours has it been since you ate your last meal before bed to the first meal of your day today?
When you wake up in the morning and have your first meal of the day, you are essentially “breaking the fast.” You are waking up your metabolism and preparing your body for all those daily endeavors you are about to embark on. But… if you aren’t fueling your body, are you setting yourself up for success or putting your self at a disadvantage?
Think back and ponder if you have ever had a midmorning headache or “writer’s block” where you simply could not think? This my friends, could be your brain telling you it NEEDS food. Your brain runs off 100% glucose (or carbohydrates) and if it does not have that fuel source, it simply cannot function as effectively as it should.
This is one example as to why breakfast is important. Breakfast does not have to be gourmet or complex, but should be something. Something is better than nothing (if you have not been eating breakfast; if you have then we may need to increase it more than just a bar on the way out of the house… talking to all you “on the goers”).
Oatmeal and yogurt are two very simple staples for breakfast that can easily be spruced up. But by no means does you breakfast have to be fancy, and honestly you may be the only one who sees it other than instagram if you share.
The Busy Bee – If you are one of those who grabs food on your way out the door put something together the night prior or have it ready to grab as you are running out the door. A bar will most likely not sustain you till lunch. OR….. wake up 15 minutes earlier and enjoy breakfast at your own counter table.
Home Breakfast – If you have the luxury of having breakfast at home, take the time to make it an enjoyable experience. Put your yogurt or oatmeal in a bowl and make it as you were preparing it for someone special. You are special and this may be the only time you get for yourself today.
Below is one of my favorite yogurt bowls and it is so easy. In my bowl I have plain Greek yogurt, a plum, kiwi, sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, chia seeds and honey. That is all!! Do not let the looks fool you, it looks fancy but it is so simple. I cut my fruit the night before then had all the dry ingredients in the cabinet together, so when it was time to put it together it was the easiest thing ever!
Creating YOUR Breakfast Bowl
Friends, these do not have to be complicated but… here are some ideas if you are trying to create a masterpiece.
Bowl Makings:
- For a base I recommend: Greek Yogurt or Oatmeal
- Fresh Fruit (banana, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, kiwi, ANYTHING!)
- Canned Fruit (choose fruits canned in 100% fruit juice)
- Dried Fruit (1/4 cup = 1 serving)
- Seeds and Nuts, these add a great crunch
- Coconut Flakes
- Granola
- Cereal
- Chocolate Chips
- Matcha, can be interesting but if you’re feeling adventurous go for it!
- Maple Syrup
- Honey, my favorite!!!
- Peanut Butter or PB2
Never work before breakfast; if you have to work before breakfast, eat your breakfast first.
Josh Billings
The more you set yourself up for success, the easier it will be for you to find a new routine. I recommend cutting your fruits ahead of time, or opening the cans, draining the fruit and putting the fruit in the fridge in a container. All dry ingredient together and you are in good shake. The easier you make, making breakfast, the easier it will be for you to create a new habit!
If you are not a breakfast person, I challenge you to have breakfast for two weeks straight before work and observe your productivity. If you have no change then go back to your old habits, if you feel even the slightest increase in energy or productivity try it a little longer. 🙂
