By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
What is the first thing that you do when you get out of bed in the morning? Is it a cup of coffee? A morning walk? Do you begin your day by making yourself a nice, hearty breakfast? Or, maybe you’re like me and rarely have time for any of those things and so you just head out the door on your way to work. Whatever the case may be, making sure that you get a good breakfast may be beneficial to your health.
Find out why breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. (photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)
According to registered dietician Supriya Lal, eating breakfast helps your body to keep your blood sugar levels stable, provides you with energy for the rest of the day, and regulates your hunger. This is especially important for those with diabetes or other health issues. But not just any breakfast will do in the morning. She notes that balanced breakfasts that are comprised of fats, carbohydrates, and protein are the best to ensure that you are fueled for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, that means that sugary, carb-loaded breakfasts like doughnuts, muffins, or sugary cereals are out of the question.
Some suggestions for balanced breakfast foods include eggs, whole grain bread, sausage, bacon, oatmeal, nuts and nut butter, Greek yogurt, fruits, and even some veggies! Try combining these foods to give yourself some diversity in the mornings. My personal favorite is making omelets with different combinations of veggies inside, such as mushrooms, and spinach, and then topping them with sliced avocado!
So, try making breakfast a priority and see if it helps you to feel more fueled for your day! A cool little tip is that here in Arizona, we have access to so many locally grown and raised breakfast foods! Some of the food items that you can get locally are eggs, dairy products, meats, and a wide variety of fruits and veggies! Check out the Fill Your Plate website for more information on where and how to find locally-grown products!