Seven breakfast resolutions for the New Year
Breakfast: it’s the most important meal of the day. But are you taking it as seriously as you should?
Mornings can feel like a rushed time of day for many people, which means that brekkie can often get put on the backburner, lost within chaotic routines. But it deserves to be a priority – it fuels your body for your day ahead, after all.
If you’re somebody who grabs a coffee and muffin on the go, or even worse, skips breakfast entirely, why not use the new year as an opportunity to introduce some healthy new breakfast habits?
Here are seven breakfast resolutions we recommend adopting for the New Year.
1) Don’t skip!
One of the worst breakfast habits of all is to skip it entirely. If it feels like you don’t have the time for breakfast in the morning, make the time. It could be as simple as setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier.
Starting your day with a healthy breakfast will boost your metabolism and help keep your blood sugar levels stable during the day. By skipping it, you could be increasing your risk of health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and migraines, so it’s in your best interest to start your day with some nutritious grub.
2) Drink water
A glass or two of water on an empty stomach gives your digestive system a healthy kickstart. Plus, it’s important to ensure you’re hydrated throughout the day, so what better time to get started than first thing? (Drinking enough water will also help you stay productive throughout the day.)
If you prefer, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to your water for some added flavour, which will provide you with a dose of vitamin C.
3) Prepare, prepare, prepare
Another way to kick the old “I don’t have time” excuse is to prepare your breakfast the night before, so it’s ready and waiting for you when you awake. Meals like overnight oats or smoothies are easy to make the night before and pop in the fridge for the morning. Then, all you need to factor in is the time to eat it!
4) Eat something filling
You want your breakfast to leave you feeling energised and keep hunger pangs at bay until lunch time. While it may be tempting to grab something quick and small, your belly grumbling at 11am will only serve as a distraction and could lead to you reaching for unhealthy snacks. Instead, make your breakfast a filling one, so you’re left feeling satisfied.
5) Include protein
Protein is a great option for breakfast, as it takes more time to digest, leaving you feeling satisfied until lunch time. It also helps to keep you mentally alert. Combine lean protein and fibre for the ideal morning combination. Healthy options include eggs on wholemeal toast or unsweetened cereal with low-fat yoghurt and fruit.
If you want to ensure you’re eating a balanced diet, check out the 10 nutrients women need to be healthy and happy.
6) Be adventurous
If you feel uninspired by breakfast, spruce up your morning meal by trying a brand-new recipe or incorporating some unusual ingredients. There are so many different ways to enjoy oats, for example, from banana and blueberry or apple and cinnamon flavour to figs and honey.
If you’re feeling experimental, you could even substitute your oats for quinoa or pop some chia seeds in with your oats for an added protein supplement.
7) Take your time
As tight as your schedule might be, try not to gobble your breakfast down in a rush. Doing this will probably just lead to indigestion. Instead, take your time to savour your meal, by chewing consciously. Not only is eating slowly and mindfully better for your digestion, but it’ll make you enjoy your food more, too.
So, are you ready to create some healthier habits in 2020? If you follow these tips and give breakfast the attention it deserves, you’ll start your mornings feeling energised and ready to take on the day.
Photo by Ben Kolde
