Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. By packing all the right ingredients into your breakfast, you can make sure you’re getting all the right nutrients to help you to stay energised and productive. But just which types of food should you be eating? Perhaps a vitamin-packed no eggs breakfast or an oatmeal porridge, there are a lot of healthy options, and this post takes a look at some of the ways to achieve a healthy breakfast.
Is a cooked breakfast healthy?
A classic fry-up could be just the protein boost you need if you’re planning a physically active day. However, if you’re not planning to be very physically active, you may want to be wary of planning such a breakfast. Fried meats like bacon and sausages are typically high in fat – especially if you’re using lots of butter and oil. Such meats can also be highly processed and may lack nutrients.
If you’re going to choose any food to provide a protein boost, your best option is eggs. Sometimes referred to as ‘nature’s multivitamin’, eggs are full of all kinds of important nutrients. All in all, an omelette or egg on toast could be a healthier option than a full fry-up when you fancy something cooked and savoury.
Are toast and bread snacks healthy?
Bread foods are typically high in carbs but low in micronutrients. This includes foods like toast, croissants, waffles and pancakes. Foods made of empty carbs can be fattening if eaten in large quantities. The added sugar in these products doesn’t help.
Whole grain bread products are generally much healthier. These food products haven’t had all the nutrients removed through processing and often don’t have as much added sugar. If you fancy some toast, opt for whole wheat bread.
Is cereal healthy?
Unfortunately, a lot of the branded breakfast cereals you see on the shelves are very low on nutrients and full of added sugar. They typically aren’t the healthiest option to start your day with.
However, there are some healthy cereal options out there. Oatmeal porridge is typically very healthy. Muesli is also a very healthy option as this guide at itsgrowli.com explains. Try to avoid adding refined sugar to these foods – a healthier way to add sweetness is to use fruit or honey.
Is yoghurt healthy?
Yoghurt can be very healthy. On top of containing calcium and protein, yoghurts contain ‘good bacteria’ which can help the gut and the immune system.
Just be careful when choosing yoghurts. Some fruit-flavoured yoghurts are full of added sugar and calories. You’re best off sticking to yoghurts marketed as ‘low fat’ or ‘no added sugar’. This site thebitingtruth.com lists a few healthy yoghurts worth looking out for.
Which drinks are healthy?
Water and milk are the healthiest drink options. Despite the arguments about caffeine, coffee and tea are also very healthy and full of nutrients (just try not to add too much sugar).
Fruit juice should be drunk in moderation. While freshly-squeezed juice typically has a lot of nutrients, it also contains lots of sugar. Of course, fruit juice is still a lot healthier than fizzy drinks, which typically contain few ingredients and lots of refined sugar (it should go without saying – don’t have coke for breakfast!).
Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
