Breakfast Ideas from Liz and Me

Here are some great ideas from an article a friend of mine sent me. They mostly are an answer to people who say they don't have time for breakfast. Good hints here, though.

Eat Right, Even When There's No Time

-- By Liz Noelcke [my comments are inside the square brackets]


If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it 937 times: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Why? You just spent eight hours with no food or water. You’re dehydrated, your blood sugar is low and you have little energy. And now it’s time to hurry the kids off to school before the eight-hour workday. More than any other point in the day, you need nourishment. Right now.

Besides, eating breakfast actually helps you lose weight. Those who skip the meal tend to snack before lunch and throughout the day, usually on unhealthy, high-calorie foods. Breakfast eaters typically cruise until lunch, while beaming with energy. [Also very important is to start the day with a glass of water!!!]

So what are some breakfast ideas? Scratch that--healthy and quick ideas? Here are some of our favorites:

Prepare a casserole the night before. Pop it in the microwave when you wake up and it will be ready to go when you are. [right... who has time for this? unless it's leftovers from dinner]

Incorporate complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat toast and bagels. Spread peanut butter and raisins on top of either for added flavor. [Yes, this is a good one. I also sometimes put a slice of thin ham or turkey with a bit of cheese and throw it into the micro for a couple minutes. And don't forget the fruit. I keep my fruit on the counter. It tastes much better at room temperature. ]

Bake bran muffins early in the week, then grab one or two each morning. Or check out a local bakery for healthy varieties. [Most muffins are very high in calories unless you make them yourself. We have a new cupcake place that sells carrot cake like cupcakes that are kind of like muffins. They are very good, but probably high in calories.]

Make waffles Sunday morning and freeze the leftovers. You can pop ‘em in the toaster for a homemade breakfast. Also, grocery stores sell frozen whole grain selections.

Have you ever tried a tortilla for breakfast? Wrap up cold turkey and cheese, grab an apple and you’re on your way. [Yes, this is good. Dorothy Lane market sells this tortillas made with whole grains. Very good with a slice of tomato or salsa, cheese, and/or egg]

Don’t forget cold cereal. We’re not talking about those covered with sugar, but the healthy variety. Items such as Wheaties and Cheerios are always good choices. [Ugh, I don't buy these anymore. I get Kashi or organic cereals. They are whole grain and delicious.]

Whole-egg or egg white omelets with fresh or frozen veggies (carrots, broccoli, celery, peppers, onions and even black beans make great additions). [yes, but I refuse to give up the yolk of the egg. I buy organic eggs and I know the farm where they come from. ]

Make a shake or a smoothie. Blend fruit and yogurt and then drink it in the car. [I try not to eat in the car - bad policy. But the smoothie is a good idea. We try to have one of these once a week. You need a mid morning snack, but it's low calories. Use Kefir in these too - delicious! ]

A side option is a small bag of finger foods, such as a mixture of granola and grapes.

This is a jammed packed posting! Please add your favorite healthy fast breakfasts.

Sue