It’s no secret that many people struggle to get going first thing in the morning. If you’re not one of those blessed natural morning people, coffee may be the only savior for the first few hours of your day. But one tactic to conquering the beginning of the day is all about diet. Changing up the types of foods you eat first thing in the morning can help improve mental health, digestive health, and overall energy for your day.
Here are a few foods that will help you kickstart your day and sustain your energy levels for longer:
Eggs
Starting off the list with an obvious fan favorite. But there is a reason eggs are the king of all breakfast foods. Not only are they delicious and pair well with virtually anything, they have numerous health benefits that make this choice one of the healthiest starts. Research shows that eggs help people feel full for longer, eliminating the mid-morning hunger that can hamper energy levels. They also reduce calorie intake and help maintain blood sugar levels. While there are many more benefits to eggs, the final cherry on top is that they are high in choline. Choline is fantastic for liver and brain health.
Greek Yogurt
Some may have a taste for Greek yogurt, while others may shy away from this acquired taste. But all can agree that the health benefits are out of this world. Certain types of Greek yogurt are good sources of probiotics, like Bifidobacterium, which help your stomach health. On top of this great perk, this yogurt is fairly high in protein, which stay with you through the morning, keeping your appetite a bit more controlled- great for weight loss!
Coffee
Caffeine addicts rejoice! Coffee made the list for great foods to start your day with. While we don’t recommend you only drink coffee with nothing else, pairing coffee with another healthy option has health benefits. Coffee increases metabolic rate and helps burn fat, so those who are looking to maintain a healthy weight can add this to their diet. In moderation, coffee also increases alertness, mental outlook and energy levels.
Oatmeal
If you love cereal, but need a healthier option- oatmeal is the best choice for you. It’s made from ground oats, which contain a unique fiber called beta-glucan. This fiber has many benefits, including reduced cholesterol; a very heart-healthy alternative! It is also a viscous fiber which helps you feel full for longer. Oatmeal is not high in protein, so to bump up the protein levels, replace the water with milk or have an egg on the side.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are one of the secret food superheroes of the world. They are extremely nutritious and high in fiber. Once again, the viscous fiber comes into play here. Adding chia seeds to cereal, oatmeal, eggs or smoothies can help you stay full for longer and add antioxidants to your meal. You can find many recipes that incorporate chia seeds for a delicious treat!