Did you know that today is National Food Day? October 24th is a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable and sustainable food. May you make it a priority to eat real food that fuels you not just today, but every day of the year!
Speaking of food, today’s post is about what many refer to as the most important meal of the day – breakfast. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who skip breakfast compared to those who regularly eat it have a 21% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Since excess body weight and poor diet are major factors in causing the disease, I think that this stat is the result of this: People who don’t eat breakfast are more likely to overeat later in the day and/or grab something unhealthy when hunger strikes a couple of hours later. So what’s the lesson here? EAT BREAKFAST!
Plain and simple, a healthy breakfast is good for your mind and body. Eating in the AM revs your metabolism up early in the day, and has also been shown to improve concentration, strength, and endurance levels, while lowering cholesterol. It makes perfect sense that if you begin your day by eating something healthy, you’re setting the tone for the rest of your day’s eats.
Here are my top 5 favorite breakfast combos:
Greek yogurt is a great way to start your day – with fruit, granola, nuts, plain, or however you choose to 
eat it. It’s high in protein and low in fat, and is easy to take with you if you’re on your way out the door.
Pancakes – If you’re thinking that pancakes are heavy and unhealthy for you, think again, because they certainly don’t have to be. I love experimenting with batter recipes to come up with yummy and balanced morning meals. Try my pumpkin pancakes or yogurt protein pancakes!
Bars – For those of you who don’t wake up with pangs of hunger, stock up on some protein, granola and cereal bars. Protein bars are a staple in my house. They’re so easy to throw in my bag and take with me or keep in my car as a healthy 
breakfast or snack for later on. Look for bars with familiar ingredient lists and easily pronounced words. My favorite brands of snack bars are Kashi, Clif Bars and Cascadian Farms.
Smoothies – I adore smoothies and usually have one a day. They’re quick to throw together and make for a great breakfast. The bonus of making shakes for breakfast is that you can pack multiple servings of produce in to give yourself loads of vitamins and antioxidants first thing in the morning. After concocting your smoothie, you can always pour it into a travel glass or mug to take with you on the road. My favorites
include my chocolate peanut butter protein shake and banana agave smoothie.
Fruit & Nut Butters – Sometimes I start my day with a big bowl of fruit, an apple with peanut butter, or a banana with almond butter. Mixing up your breakfasts (and meals in general) with healthy foods is great because you won’t get bored, and you’ll be providing your body with a wide range of vitamin and antioxidant sources.
Question: What’s your go-to healthy breakfast?
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