Breakfast literally means “breaking the fast.” When we have breakfast, we’re refueling our bodies after going without food during our sleeping hours.
Food is the fuel that keeps our bodies functioning properly. Having breakfast helps us to perform and feel better.
When we wake up, our energy reserves are at their lowest. Easting a nutritious breakfast helps us to replenish our blood sugar which improves the brain’s ability to function. Breakfast energizes the body and helps us to function better throughout the day, including giving us more endurance, strength, better concentration and memory, and coordination.
Enjoying a nutritious breakfast that includes foods like high-fiber, whole-grain cereals, whole-wheat waffles, and oatmeal helps us to get enough fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Research also indicates that those eating breakfast are more likely to have a regular eating pattern (eating every three or four hours) and tend to need fewer snacks throughout the day. Consuming fewer snacks (i.e. chips and candies) throughout the day helps in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Children also benefit from eating breakfast. When children have breakfast, they are more alert and usually better behaved. Breakfast can improve a child’s attention span, reduces irritability, and can improve overall behavior in school.
Most of us are busy and many simply feel they don’t have the time for breakfast, , but it’s important to remember
that breakfast doesn’t have to be time-consuming. A healthy breakfast can be enjoyed in less than five-minutes or in less time than it takes to shower or shave.
The old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is actually true. Enjoy it!
Quick Breakfast Ideas
It isn’t as hard as many of us think to make time for breakfast. One way to save time so you’re able to have breakfast is to wake up 15 minutes earlier to allow time to have a bowl of cereal (hot or cold).
Another strategy is to prepare breakfast the night before. For example, make a batch of pancakes or waffles ahead of time and freeze them. When needed, pop one or two into the microwave and enjoy with a glass of milk.
Another fast, healthy breakfast option is the breakfast burrito. Try taking scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and cheese and rolling them into a whole-wheat tortilla for a delicious, on-the-go breakfast.
The possibilities for a quick, healthy breakfast meal are numerous. Use your imagination and start creating today!
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Fantastic French Toast
Makes: 6 Servings
Can be served with fresh or canned fruit.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
½ cup non-fat milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract 6 slices whole wheat bread
Syrup or other toppings (optional)
Directions
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Preheat the griddle over medium heat, or set an electric frying pan at 375 degrees.
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Put eggs, milk, and vanilla in a pie pan or shallow bowl and beat with a fork until well mixed.
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Grease the griddle or pan with a thin layer of oil or use nonstick spray.
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Dip both sides of bread, one slice at a time, in the egg mixture and cook on the hot griddle or frying pan.
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Cook on one side until golden brown. Turn the bread over to cook the other side. It will take about 4 minutes on each side.
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Serve with syrup, applesauce, fruit slices, or jam.