We all know the age-old saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, but in recent years this idea has faced scrutiny from some nutritionists.
Some claim that a healthy and balanced diet does not necessarily need to include breakfast, and you can even benefit from avoiding it altogether.
Despite this resistance, evidence still suggests that breakfast is absolutely integral, but that your choice of food matters. If you start the day with an unhealthy meal, then, of course, you won’t benefit as much.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You wake up after a good night’s sleep only to realise you’re late for work. After hastily getting dressed, you eat the nearest food you can find and rush out.
Cut to a few hours later, and you’re drinking your third coffee as you attempt to negate the unpleasant effects of a sugar dump.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the healthiest foods you can start your day with in order to feel good physically and mentally.
Porridge
Porridge is simple, straightforward, and easy to make in minutes, so if you’re in a rush then it’s a great option to start your day with.
It’s delicious and versatile; you can have it in a wide variety of ways, with various flavours complementing the oat-based goodness.
Porridge is also a good source of protein, and you can increase this protein by adding milk. If you’re vegan, then you can enjoy porridge by using water, or a dairy-free milk product.
Another fun fact about porridge that not many people know is that it can contain effective antioxidants. Antioxidants help to flush out anything unhealthy in the body and allow you to feel fresh before you begin your day.
Greek Yogurt
Gut health is very important for overall physical and mental wellbeing, so foods such as Greek Yogurt are an excellent choice to kick start your day. Full of probiotics, they are truly great for the gut.
It’s tasty and full of protein. Protein is essential within a balanced diet but is often subject to misconceptions. We’re often told that protein should be found in red meat, but Greek Yogurt is a great alternative to this.
One of the best things about Greek Yogurt is that you can mix it up based on preference. Add a little honey or a few berries. Get creative with it.
Berries
Berries have a vast amount of benefits. You can add them to almost any meal, or eat them on their own. They’re high in fibre, which is an essential part of a balanced diet and very important.
Like oats, berries contain antioxidants that can improve heart health, blood flow, and help to reduce inflammation.
Inflammation is one of the leading causes of health issues around the world, so consuming foods rich in antioxidants is definitely recommended.
As was mentioned previously, you can add berries to your yoghurt, or your porridge, so try and mix things up throughout the week.
Nuts
Nuts are high in protein and healthy fat, but low in carbohydrates and calories. They’re an excellent source of protein for those who choose not to consume animal products.
You can carry a bag of nuts with you at all times, so if you’re on the move then you should definitely consider this option.
Coffee
Though technically not a food, you didn’t think we’d make it through a full “breakfast article” without mentioning coffee, did you? Coffee is beloved around the world, and with good reason.
As with anything, you should make sure your caffeine intake is at a healthy level. When consumed in the correct amount, coffee can contribute to excellent overall health.
Coffee can improve your mood and is proven to increase alertness and creativity in many people. In fact, many historians note a sudden boom in human ingenuity around the time that coffee houses became popular establishments.
Just don’t blame us if you suddenly sort all of your housekeeping and write a novel within an hour of taking your first sip.
Conclusion
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should always follow a balanced diet. We all like foods that are bad for us, but there are so many enjoyable foods that are healthy too.
Was it not Oscar Wilde himself who said “Everything in moderation, even coffee, and yoghurt”? No? Well, it was something like that.
We hope you enjoyed this guide, don’t forget to leave a comment telling us your favourite healthy foods to have in the morning.