Five Steps to a Healthier Morning Meal

A few ideas to help you start and keep the habit of eating the most important meal of the day.
By Kristen F. Gradney, RD, LDN, BDO Contributing Writer
Posted: 03/27/2012 08:46 AM EDT
Filed Under Health News, breakfast, nutrition

nutrition, Health News, breakfast, diet

The path to healthier eating (and a healthier, thinner body) begins first thing in the morning. Before you rush out the door for a busy day, remember how important it is to “break” the “fast”.

Why?

Your body is sluggish and sleepy from a night’s rest and is still conserving calories – not burning them. Having a good, well-balanced breakfast can jump start your metabolism and keep your appetite under control for the rest of the day.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated and luxurious – unless you want it to be. Think a little carbohydrate – whole grain toast, an English muffin, or even milk, and a little protein. Protein can come from peanut butter, egg, cheese, or even sliced deli meat. The combination of carbohydrates and protein will give you a boost of energy that will keep you going for a few hours.  

Here are a few ideas to help you start and keep the habit of eating the most important meal of the day:

Think Ahead. Prepare a quick and easy breakfast casserole the night before and pop it into the oven while getting dressed.  Before you know it you’ll have a hot, healthy breakfast for everyone.

Bake During the Weekend. Bake bran muffins on Sunday and during the week keep them in a basket or in the refrigerator so they are easy to grab and go.


Make A Shake or Smoothie.  In the freezer section of the grocery store there are a variety of pre-packaged fruit and yogurt smoothie mixes that you can just throw into the blender and have ready to go in a matter of minutes.  

Get Creative When You're In A Hurry. Make pancakes or waffles early in the week and keep in the freezer. Add some peanut butter or cream cheese and low-sugar preserves and eat on the go.


For more on healthy eating, visit BlackDoctor.org.



BET Health News - We go beyond the music and entertainment world to bring you important medical information and health-related tips of special relevance to Blacks in the U.S. and around the world.



Videos You May Like

(Photo: GettyImages)

Comments

Trends
Geography of Hate •Twitter •Monica Stephens •National News •LGBT •Wade Davis •Kyla Pratt •Lets Stay Together •Spelman College •Kirstie Bronner •Historically Black Colleges and Universities •Kristie Bronner •News •Politics News •personal finance •Barack Obama •social security •Saturday Night Live •Kanye West •Music News •Kim Kardashian •GOOD Music •Q-Tip •Melanie Fiona •Lauryn Hill •healthy eating •Weight Loss •Mo'Nique •Fitness •Health News •

How You Can Help the Victims in Oklahoma

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and more ways to give. 05/21/2013

A Snapshot of the African-American Financial Experience

Paying down debt is top priority for Blacks. 05/21/2013

Export Your Summer Jobs Search

What to know about taking a summer job overseas. 05/21/2013

Out and About: Solange Hits the New Museum in NYC

Plus pics of A$AP Rocky, Amber Rose, Nicki Minaj and more. 05/22/2013

The Rundown: French Montana, Excuse My French

A track-by-track review of the Bronx rapper's debut LP. 05/20/2013

Bump Watch: Celebrity Pregnancy Denials

Bey, Brandy and other stars plagued by baby rumors. 05/21/2013

SEARCH

© 2013 BET Interactive, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television LLC. All rights reserved.