What Are Some Healthy Foods to Eat for Breakfast?

Breakfast is the first meal of the day, and therefore considered the most important. Your body has been without food, or fasting, for hours while you've been asleep. When you have breakfast, you are re-engaging your metabolism and fueling your body for the day ahead. Eating any breakfast is important, but eating a healthy breakfast is imperative to provide necessary nutrients and give you energy.

History

The term "breakfast" came about because when we eat that first meal, we are actually "breaking fast" from our long night's slumber. Traditional breakfast foods include starches (breads, pastries, potatoes, cereal), proteins (bacon, sausage, eggs), fruits and dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt).

Misconceptions

Unfortunately, many people choose a fatty meat or calorie-laden pastries, which not only lead to high cholesterol and hypertension, but also do not fuel the body with good, solid nutrients. Eating a healthy and well-rounded meal is important to start your day right.

Fruit

Fruits are a sweet treat for breakfast. Add them to a whole-grain cereal or muffin, or mix them up in a smoothie.

Grains

Choosing whole grains such as whole wheat toast and cereal will not only give your metabolism something to "chew on," thus making you feel fuller longer, but also help prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol. Try bran muffins with whole fruits such as blueberries or apples, whole wheat cereal, seven-grain breads and bagels. They will keep your metabolism working hard until lunchtime.

Proteins

Replace traditional breakfast meats with lighter fare. Try turkey bacon or sausage. The spices are the same (in most brands), which helps them taste like the fattier variety. Eggs in moderation are an excellent protein. Try them boiled or poached instead of fried or scrambled. Egg substitute is also a good breakfast protein. Try adding some vegetables to egg substitute and scramble. It makes for a quick, hearty and fulfilling meal.

Dairy

In a rush? Try a yogurt with granola or nuts and a piece of fresh fruit for a quick, yummy breakfast. Lower fat, or 2% cheese, is terrific on a whole grain English muffin or with a veggie omelet.

Warning

Stay away from sugar-loaded cereals and pastries. The initial sugar will make the body feel energized, but you will crash and feel hungry sooner. Eating too many sugary breakfasts will also cause weight gain.