With all the fad diets out there, it's hard to know what to eat in the morning.
Although some experts suggest that eating a low-carb diet could help you lose weight more quickly, some carbohydrates are actually good for you and can give you the sustained energy you need to get through the day.
According to Clemson University, a nutritious breakfast contains small amounts of protein and fat, with the bulk of the meal consisting of complex carbohydrates, like whole grains. If you've been shunning carbs in order to drop a few pounds, but feel lethargic and exhausted by lunchtime, adding a few back into your diet could give you the nutritional boost your body's craving.
Add these carb-filled foods to fuel your morning:
Credit: Courtesy of megh28/Flickr
Credit: Courtesy of megh28/Flickr
Whole-grain bread with protein
Switch your morning white bread to a healthier, heartier, whole-grain counterpart, and add a little protein and fat, like peanut butter, almond butter, mashed avocado or an egg, which will give you more energy and leave you feeling satisfied for hours.
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Wilhoite/Flickr
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Wilhoite/Flickr
Loaded old-fashioned oatmeal
The soluble fiber in slow-cooked, old-fashioned oatmeal actually helps slow down how fast your body absorbs carbohydrates. This keeps your blood sugar levels more consistent and even throughout the day. Instead of having it plain, load your old-fashioned oatmeal with nutrient-dense foods, like chopped nuts, berries, chia seeds or hulled hemp seeds.
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Whole grain cereal with fruit
Starting your day with a bowl of cereal might seem like a no-no, but it's all about which cereal you pick. Avoid sugary, refined cereals, and pick out a whole-grain cereal high in fiber, low in sugar and big on vitamins. Top your bowl off with some fresh fruit that's high in antioxidants, such as raspberries or blueberries, and you'll have an early morning winner.
Homemade breakfast sandwich
Although a breakfast sandwich from a fast food restaurant might not provide you with the energy-filled morning you're hoping for, making your own homemade breakfast sandwich just might. Start with a whole grain English muffin, which contains complex carbs that digest slowly in your system, topped with an egg, leafy greens, fresh tomato and cheese.
Still confused about what to eat? Get the answers to the questions you were too afraid to ask about healthy eating here.
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