Set Your Day Up For Success: 6 Things To Try
When planning your grocery list for this week’s meals, spend time focusing on the first meal of the day! It’s easy to eat right in the morning: the ideal breakfast should provide one quarter to one third of your day’s protein, a fair amount of fiber (as found in low-glycemic carbohydrates) and some healthy fat. Here are some quick, healthful ideas on food to buy:
- Canned, wild Alaskan salmon. The traditional Japanese breakfast features broiled fish, steamed rice, pickled vegetables and green tea. Using canned, wild Alaskan salmon along with leftover rice and vegetables makes this a quick meal.
- Granola and yogurt. Choose granola or make one that’s high in fiber and low in sugar or other sweeteners and use a half serving or less, and opt for a protein source like full-fat plain Greek yogurt, some organic berries and walnuts.
- Eggs. Keep some hardboiled eggs (choose free-range, omega-3 fortified eggs) on hand to eat with sprouted grain toast. Include a piece of fruit like an orange or grapefruit and a serving of plain, unsweetened yogurt. There are also a number of egg bite options to heat up if you do not have the time to prepare your own eggs. Be sure to scan the ingredients list and confirm you recognize them all and it is a food you could make from scratch if you had the time.
- Dark, leafy greens. Spinach, kale and other dark, leafy greens are a nutritious addition to any breakfast – use with your eggs to create a vegetable scramble. These nutrition powerhouses can be easily added to smoothies without altering the taste.
- Berries. Choose organic blueberries or raspberries for their fiber and antioxidants – add to your yogurt or top steel-cut oatmeal with a handful.
- Coffee or green tea. Coffee is a good source of antioxidants, and research has linked coffee to a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes as well as improved mental health as you age. I suggest finding an organic or fair-trade version. If coffee causes side effects such as anxiety, tremors or irritation of the digestive system, try organic green tea – it is a very healthy, lower caffeine alternative. Avoid the fake creamers that contain inflammatory hydrogenated oils and sweeteners. If needed, lighten with unsweetened almond or cashew milk.
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