Eating a wholesome nutritious breakfast is an important part of a healthy diet. Eating breakfast helps ignite your metabolism and can help reduce hunger throughout the day. Unfortunately when it comes to eating healthy for breakfast, most of us think we are limited to eating processed things like bread or toast, or that we need to stick to oatmeal as our only source of carbs. However, there are other options that are not only healthy, but also fitness diet compliant and guaranteed to give your breakfast a kick.
1. Tired of Egg Whites? Try A Frittata
Egg whites are great. They are loaded in protein and don’t provide any fat. But, that’s not always a good thing. The yolk part of a whole egg provides a source of saturated fat that can help keep hormone levels balanced, along with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated sources. They also deliver a source of b-vitamins and vitamin D. And when it comes to adding flavor and fluffiness, whole eggs are the way to go. Instead of always having plain egg white omelets, why not have a frittata instead? Frittatas are crustless quiches with a mix of any kind of vegetables you want. The possibilities are endless. Blend one whole egg with egg whites and your choices of veggies, and then cook or bake in a non-stick pan.
2. Had Enough Oatmeal? Try Quinoa
Most fitness enthusiasts use oatmeal as their go-to morning carb source—and for good reason. Oatmeal is full of fiber and low glycemic and also provides a healthy serving of slow digesting carbs that keep energy levels steady. But eating oatmeal day in and day out can start to get boring. Consider eating quinoa instead. This grain comes in a few varieties, including red and white. It delivers 39 g of carbs per serving, 5 g of dietary fiber and about 8 g of protein. It’s also high in iron and magnesium. Cook quinoa in bulk using a rice cooker. Once cooked, eat it exactly like you would oatmeal. Add nuts, cinnamon and stevia, dried fruit, fresh fruit or whatever combination you like.
3. Berries Blah? Try Dark Cherries
Tired of having berries with your morning oats or smoothie? Try dark cherries. Just like berries, dark black cherries deliver high amount of antioxidants that have been shown to help reduce inflammation and even muscle soreness brought on by exercise. Try blending ½ cup of frozen black cherries with a scoop of chocolate whey protein, ice and water for a cherry chocolate smoothie!
4. Switch Your Milk To Almond Coconut Milk
If you are intolerant to milk, allergic or following a dairy-free diet, it used to be hard to find a good alternative. However, these days, there are many from which to choose. Instead of regular dairy milk, try unsweetened almond, coconut or almond coconut! This fusion of delivers only 35 calories per 1 cup serving and less than 1 g of carbohydrates, along with a whole lot of vitamins and minerals. If you thought dairy was the only source of calcium, think again. Almond Coconut delivers 45% of your daily value of calcium, along with 50% of your daily value for Vitamin E and B12. Almond Coconut offers up a light nutty flavor that can be used in your coffee, or eaten along with a whole grain, all natural granola.
5. Avocado for Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter is great on toast, or eaten on its own, but so is avocado. This green fruit delivers fiber and is a rich source of fat mostly from monounsaturated sources. Avocado is a source of beta-sitosterol, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels as well as reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Try having avocado on toast with eggs, or as a side to your eggs by making it into a guacamole. Per serving of ½ cup of avocado provides 11 g of fat, including 7 g of monounsaturated fat, 6 g of carbs and 5 g of fiber!