It’s an age-old saying that millions of people have come to live by: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” While some may argue differently, there’s no denying that a healthy meal to start the day can be exponentially beneficial to one’s health, so long as the foods you eat contribute to that. That being said, below are five of the healthiest foods you can start your day with.
- Oatmeal
Something that may have been seen as a dreaded meal when you were younger, oatmeal is actually one of the best products for a healthy breakfast thanks to its beta-glucan, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and folate, all of which are great for heart health and lowering cholesterol. Should the flavor be preventing you from adding this to your diet, oatmeal can be combined with cut fruit or nuts, milk, honey, or a pinch of cinnamon. Be mindful of any additions and their potential unhealthy attributes.
- Eggs
Eggs, whether scrambled, sunny side up, or over easy, have been a staple in breakfast foods for as long as the meal has existed. They are a great source of protein, vitamin D, and selenium. They do however, contain a considerable amount of dietary cholesterol, so including them in your breakfasts sparingly is recommended.
- Greek Yogurt
Sweetened nonfat yogurt may sound like a healthy breakfast option, but they often contain as much sugar as a bowl of ice cream without any nutritional value. Greek yogurt on the other hand, contains healthy fats, calcium, and protein to help you feel fuller during the early hours of the day, thus preventing you from overeating at a later time. Fruit and nuts can be added to enhance flavor, much like oatmeal.
- Berries
Most varieties of berries come with a plethora of health benefits due to their various vitamins and nutrients. Of the most favorable include blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Blueberries specifically are loaded with antioxidants, and are the least caloric berry. Also high in antioxidants, strawberries contain a more-than-sufficient amount of vitamin C, folic acid, and fiber.
Raspberries are found to have ellagitannins, which is thought to have the ability to prevent cancer. Much like blueberries and strawberries, they contain vitamin C and vitamin K; essential for bone growth. Mixing any of these types of berries with your greek yogurt or oatmeal is an added kick to fighting illness.
- Flaxseed
Adding just a tablespoon or two of flaxseed is a great way to increase your omega-3 fatty acid intake, as well as heart-healthy fat, fiber, and lignan. This nut-flavored grain is great as an addition to smoothies, cereal, or greek yogurt, with the only precaution being the fact that they are indigestible. Be sure to grind them up beforehand or check that they are well blended if adding them to a smoothie.