A New Year, A New You: Start the Day off Right!

We've heard it a million times: don't skip (or skimp on) breakfast, because it is the most important meal of the day. Yet, countless of us do. It's the 21st century, a modern age, with modern lives to live and those lives are hectic. The daily grind awaits us every morning once that alarm clock goes off, with thousands of decisions to be made, a trillion things to get done. Our attentions are short and pulled in all sorts of directions. It's no wonder we rush out the door every morning neglecting to fuel the body and brain, or better yet, eating junk that gives us a sugar rush and the oh so lovely sugar crash at the most convenient times (of course). So my challenge to you, mom, in this new year is to slow down and smell the roses. We know we should be eating a nutritious breakfast (I list the many reasons why, below, for a refresher), so let's make it happen! Let's take it back to the basics- make time for breakfast and make it a simple, nutritious one. You don't need fancy protein or vitamin bars, or shakes, (unless prescribed to you by your doctor) just a bowl of cereal (hot or cold) in skim milk, some fruit, water and your good to go. For more quick breakfast ideas see below. To top it off, make your kids eat breakfast with you- make breakfast the new family time meal. You'll be doing their body good! I know it sounds crazy, but it's a great way to send your kids and yourself into the world fueled for any challenge. It's the meal of champions, right. Okay I am a big cornball, but you get my meaning. It's also a great time to reflect on the day that is ahead. 


Some tips on how to make breakfast happen: 

• Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier.
• Prepare lunches and prep your breakfast for the next day in the evenings.
• Set your clothes as well as the children's clothes for the next day out in the evenings.
• If your a coffee drinker, prepare your coffee for brewing at night and use the timer on the pot so you wake up to the wonderful aroma of freshed brewed coffee. I know your imagining it, the Folger's coffee moment from the commercials...yeah, well as cheesy as it may be, it is a good feeling.

I think you'll find this a rewarding experience. I know your bodies will love it, even if your moaning and groaning. You'll get used to it, trust me.  Here's to eating and hopefully enjoying a good hearty breakfast every morning in the new year. Cheers!


Why eating an easy, simple, nutritious breakfast is important:

• Improves Concentration and Focus
• Weight Control (Why does eating breakfast help control weight?)
• Better absorption of vital nutrients
• Helps boost energy levels
• Sustainable Strength and Endurance
• May help lower cholesterol levels
• Promotes a Positive Mental Attitude
• Blood Glucose Management for everyone not just Diabetic

Quick, Healthy Breakfast Ideas:

• Mayo Clinic: Healthy breakfast: Quick, flexible options to grab at home
• Eating Well: Healthy Breakfast Recipes and Cooking Tips

Sources: Mayo Clinic