Breakfast can seem like a chore – especially when you’ve got other mouths to feed! In reality, setting an example for your kids (and others) could do them a world of good. Picking up a pre-packaged bar, or a coffee on the way to work may fill you up for the mean time, but hunger pangs will set in and by 11am you’ll be scrounging for sustenance, which can often lead us to go for snacks high in sugar to get us through to lunch time. You may also experience a ‘foggy brain’ from not having enough to run on! Sound familiar? If you’ve come across these problems, keep reading for The Do’s and Don’ts of breakfast time!1. DO prepare
Straight from the couch to bed sounds perfect at the time, but it’s not so perfect when you realise you’ve got nothing to eat in the morning! Try preparing a breakfast meal while making dinner, overnight oats are super simple, packed with energy and don’t require any further prep in the morning – serve and eat. Here’s a recipe for overnight oats that we love!
2. DO change according to your morning routine
Leave yourself 20 minutes to get ready for work? If you’re an ‘on-the-go’ breakfast type, home made granola bars could be your saviour. Store bought bars can be full of sugars, chemicals and won’t keep you full for as long as a sit down breakfast meal might. Make a batch of home made granola bars on the weekend to have throughout the week – with the addition of super foods like Açaí berries, almonds and cocoa nibs (for those with a sweet tooth), these are bound to have you ready for the day! Here’s a home made granola bar recipe we recommend!
3. DO enjoy your breakfasts on weekends!
Take the free time you have to really enjoy a sit down meal with people you love. Indulge in foods that are seen to improve brain function, such as oily fish (salmon), good fats (almonds, avocado), eggs and whole grains, to get you ready for the week ahead and keep your body functioning at it’s best.
4. DON’T skip breakfast
If the thought of stomaching anything before lunch time puts you off, start off small. Try a piece of fruit or small nutrient packed smoothie to get your metabolism on the go. Having something in the morning will also stop you from gorging on other meals throughout the day!
5. DON’T forget protein
Eating foods like toast or a bagel may fill you up at the time, but a high sugar, high carb meal may leave you feeling hungry again soon after you eat. Instead, add a lean protein to your morning meal such as yogurt or eggs. These will keep you feeling fuller for longer! If you do tend to get hungry between breakfast and lunch, try snacking on a handful of almonds or fruits and vegetables. They’ll give you the boost of energy you need to get through the morning.