How to Boost Your Metabolism With Low Calorie Breakfast Ideas

Whole grain cereal, fresh fruit and low fat skim or soy milk are popular in low calorie breakfast dishes.

To lose weight and digest properly, a healthy metabolism is key. If your metabolism is slowed and you are gaining weight or feeling sluggish, it could be the result of several factors, from genetics to age or even just the food you are eating. Even though breakfast has long been designated "the most important meal of the day," some choose to skip this meal. However, eating a low calorie breakfast will boost your metabolism by literally breaking the fast of not eating overnight.

Instructions

1. Choose high protein dishes, such as an egg white omelet served with turkey bacon. Top with a sprinkling of low calorie, fat-free cheese. Roll into a spinach tortilla if desired, or eat alone. Look for lean cuts of meat and healthy egg substitutes, such as tofu for a great breakfast that will fill you up without packing on extra calories.

2. Eat 1/2 cup of whole grain cereal. Top with sliced fruit and soy milk. Skip those cereals loaded with sugars that spike the calories. While this sugar might give you an initial boost, you will likely crash after the brief rush cools down. Your body will also store these extra sugars, instead of using them.

3. Make a protein smoothie. This will give you plenty of energy and fiber, while also filling you up. In a blender, combine fruit such as strawberries, raspberries or banana, then sprinkle in protein powder. A leafy green, such as kale, packs extra protein and iron without contributing to the flavor. Drink on the go or right after morning exercise.

4. Eat portion-controlled versions of your favorite foods. If you have to have a bagel in the morning, choose to have a mini version of the treat or only eat one half of a full-sized bagel. Top with low fat margarine or 1 tbsp. of nut butter instead of fatty cream cheese that will leave you feeling heavy. Or, opt instead for dairy-free vegan cream cheese that has a fraction of the calories.

5. Top whole-grain waffles or French toast with nuts and low-fat margarine instead of maple syrup. Serve sliced grapefruit or oranges on the side to sweeten the dish while providing a metabolism boost.

References

• Eating Well: 3 "Magic" Breakfast Ingredients to Kick-Start Metabolism
• Low-Calorie Diet.com; 21 Quick & Healthy Breakfast Ideas; Tory McBroom
• Fitness Magazine; The Lose 10 Pounds in 30 Days Diet: Low-Calorie Breakfast Recipes; Dawn Jackson Blatnet, RD

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish