Make Breakfast Part of Your Morning Routine

yuriz/ iStock / Getty Images Plus
yuriz/ iStock / Getty Images Plus

“Eat breakfast every day.”

Most of us have heard this advice before, but how many understand the reasoning behind it? The same way a car needs gasoline to start its engine, a body needs food to properly function and maintain energy levels. For people trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight, a breakfast-free morning is a surefire way to miss the goal. Skipping breakfast can contribute to poor grades and misbehavior in schoolchildren, too.

A common excuse for skipping breakfast is, “Breakfast makes me hungrier.” Well, that is true. The food has activated your metabolism — and that’s a good thing! A healthy, balanced breakfast, such as a fiber-rich cereal with an egg, will keep you satisfied until your next meal and prevent overindulging in empty-calorie snack foods.

Another reason often given for skipping breakfast is, “I don’t have time in the morning.” We all have busy schedules, but we find time to brush our teeth every morning, right? Breakfast needs to be part of the morning ritual. Whether you are feeding yourself and your children on the go or taking time to sit down and eat, choose breakfast.

4 Ways to Make Breakfast Part of Your Morning Routine

1. Keep It Simple
Here’s an easy idea: microwave an egg for 1 minute and serve it on a whole-wheat English muffin.

2. Make a Plan
Do you keep a calendar for your appointments? Make a “breakfast calendar” with a brief menu for each day. You will be surprised how much time you save in your day by not having to decide what to eat.

3. Plan for On-the-Go Breakfasts
Keep apples, bananas and nuts handy for days when a sit-down breakfast isn’t possible.

4. Avoid Being Too Busy to Eat
Making a conscious decision to eat will make for a happier you and a happier family.

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Robyn Cotler
Robyn Cotler, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant in Long Island, New York. She is a speaker and author of Bite It & Write It: A Guide to Keeping Track of What You Eat & Drink. Follow Robyn on her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.