6 Breakfast Power Foods
One of the best ways to wake yourself up and build your energy for the day is by eating breakfast. But don’t run out the door with a pastry or just a cup of coffee – the energy you get from simple carbs and caffeine is only momentary. Start your day off right by choosing one or two of these breakfast power foods that will get you through to lunch and give your health a boost along the way.
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is packed with Omega 3s and fiber and is a filling, gluten-free breakfast. If you’ve avoided it in the past because you’ve had one too many bowls of clumpy mush, try learning the best way to prepare it. Better Homes and Gardens has some great tips. And if you’re not a fan of plain old oatmeal with sugar, try one of these tasty oatmeal recipes!
2. Bananas
A banana is the perfect on-the-go breakfast if you’re running late in the morning. Packed with potassium that helps keep blood pressure in check and fiber for your digestive tract, it can be carried out (in its own “to-go wrapper!”) or added to a smoothie.
3. Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt has gained popularity over the last few years for good reason. Protein and calcium make it a breakfast power food and its versatility doesn’t hurt either. Use it as a dip for fruit, add it to a smoothie, top off a breakfast casserole, or eat it on its own. While plain is best due to its low sugar content, stirring in fruit or a teaspoon or two of honey can add the flavor you crave.
4. Eggs
We all know eggs are a good source of protein, but did you know they also contain vitamin D? And don’t let rumors of cholesterol scare you away from eating the yolks. Studies have shown that consuming yolks in normal amounts, despite their cholesterol content, does not have a negative affect on your cholesterol. Try these tips for cooking great eggs if you need a little help!
5. Berries
Antioxidants galore! Any berry is sure to be a breakfast power food, but among the best and most readily-available are blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Eat them with Greek yogurt, throw them in a smoothie, or stir them into a bowl of oatmeal for a real super-breakfast.
6. Nut butters
Peanut and almond butters are full of protein and healthy fats that will help keep you satisfied and your energy up until lunch time. Spread them on toast or bagels or use them as a dip for apples or bananas. And if you’re in a hurry, a handful of almonds is a great alternative. You can find nut butters in your local grocery store or get them online
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Kayla Lilly is a photographer, writer, wife, and mama making a house a home in eastern Idaho. She met her mister while working at an amusement park and married him a year later after deciding there was no way to live without him. The amusement has continued as they’ve added three kids and a passel of pets to their lives while finishing college and starting a photography business. Drawing inspiration from the whirlwinds of marriage, parenthood, and the media, Kayla blogs at Utterly Inexperienced, and spends the rest of her time chasing chickens, organizing junk drawers, diapering toddlers, and photographing everyone willing to step in front of her lens.
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