The Most Important Meal of the Day

Anyone who knows anything is well aware of the importance of a good breakfast.

By Lauren

While many Rexy girls used to think that breakfast was simply a waste of precious calories, health studies prove that skipping this early morning meal will wreak havoc on your hips.

Unfortunately, eating any breakfast isn’t enough (two giant bowls of Peanut Butter Cap ‘N Crunch is helping no one); in order to stay full, alert and healthy a well balanced breakfast is key.

What is a well-balanced meal?

Well, contrary to what all those breakfast commercials tell you, a well-balanced b’fast does not include Pop Tarts, sugary cereals or leftovers from the night before. What you should be including in that meal – for your optimal performance – is a mixture of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Sounds complicated? Well, it’s not. Below is a list of simple breakfast ideas that will get your body working right as you head back to school this Fall:

• Whole wheat toast topped with peanut butter, banana slices and raisins

• Scrambled eggs and turkey bacon on whole grain toast, with some calcium fortified OJ to wash it down

• Whole grain cereal (shredded wheat, Cheerios, etc) topped with fresh fruit and fat free milk

• Oatmeal with dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, raisins). For calcium, make the oatmeal with a mixture of milk and water.

• Bran muffin, fresh fruit and cottage cheese

• A homemade shake with low fat yogurt, frozen berries, a banana and some honey.

• Low-fat yogurt topped with granola or some Kashi Go Lean Crunch (SO GOOD!) and some fresh berries.

• Whole wheat English muffin topped with scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon and tomato/cucumber slices

• And, if you are on the go, celery with peanut butter and raisins.

Starting your day with a healthy breakfast will not only jump start your metabolism, but it will get your brain working and balance your energy levels to get you through those long lectures and late night study sessions. Even more important, though, eating gross sugary breakfasts (like a donuts or toaster pastries) can lead to Type 2 Diabetes!

So, skip the cold pizza and opt for some hot oatmeal instead. Trust me; you will notice a difference.