Studies show that people who skip breakfast have a harder time with weight control as they tend to snack on high calorie foods to ward off hunger.
For children, breakfast is critical as their bodies and brains are growing and need more meals and snacks than adults. Studies show that children who skip breakfast have a harder time maintaining concentration levels throughout the day.
Some basic things that we all need in our diet each morning are foods high in antioxidants, vitamin C, protein, calcium, potassium and fiber. Antioxidants are critical to protecting us from disease while vitamin C helps the body in making collagen which is important to the growth and repair of things such as skin, cartilage, tendons and blood vessels. Protein is one of the key building blocks that keeps the body healthy while calcium supports proper cell function and bone density. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important to muscle functions as the heart. Without enough potassium, people are more likely to suffer from insomnia and depression while tiring more easily. Fiber is important in cleansing the body and helping to maintain cholesterol levels.
So what are some of the healthiest things that we can eat to start the day?
Eggs are a good choice as they contain thirteen essential nutrients and enough protein to prevent mid-morning hunger pangs.
Black coffee or tea, provide us with lots of antioxidants. Additionally, research has shown that coffee can have heart benefits, may slow cognitive decline that comes with age, prevent some basal cell carcinomas and even protect against type 2 diabetes.
Bananas are an easy and fast breakfast food that has vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Grapefruit are another great source of potassium as well as vitamin C. Yogurt is a top source for protein and calcium while oatmeal provides us with the fiber we need to keep cholesterol levels under control.
