You’ve probably heard breakfast referred to as the most important meal of the day, and there is some science to back that up! Breakfast is not only something to look forward to when you wake up, but regularly eating a balanced breakfast may lead to some pretty impressive health benefits.
The only way for our bodies to get energy is from calorie-containing foods. Caffeine might make you feel energized, but it doesn’t give your body cells energy. Sorry. A calorie is actually a unit of potential energy, which is why it’s an important part of how we classify foods. But beyond energy, there are several research-backed outcomes associated with regularly eating breakfast. One study found that regular breakfast eaters has a better health-related quality of life, lower stress levels, and lower depression risk than breakfast skippers. And other research suggests that breakfast can help improve weight control, cardiovascular health, and cognitive health.
Knowing that breakfast is important is one thing, but having a balanced breakfast in a way that meets your schedule is another. Here are four meals that can help make it easier:
1. Overnight Oats
Mix up a handful of ingredients, and throw it in the fridge the night before. You can even make a big batch to portion out over the course of the week. Check out this overnight oats formula for specific measurements.
2. Egg Muffins
Another breakfast for busy weeks is egg muffins. These are like super customizable omelet bites. Basically, add chopped veggies and any proteins or cheese you’d like to a muffin tin, then top with eggs, and bake until cooked. Once cooled, egg muffins can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or even frozen.
3. Smoothies
Smoothies are a great breakfast option that can last a long time in the fridge (and even longer in the freezer) and pack a lot of nutrition to boot. Blend up your favorite fruits with water, vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, celery or legumes, and a source of healthy fat and protein like yogurt, chia seeds, or nut butter for a balanced meal that’s perfect for on-the-go.
4. Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Check out this Vegan Freezer Breakfast Burrito recipe. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a week’s worth of super satisfying and nutritious breakfasts ready to go. Or make a batch, and save them in your freezer for when you need something more filling for breakfast or even a snack or dinner in a pinch.
©2023 Amplified Life Network
