Protein is essential for good health, and getting enough in the morning can set you up for a productive day filled with great food choices.
In addition to contributing to building muscle, protein provides energy (for both important meetings and chasing toddlers). It also fills you up, so you’ll feel satiated from the get-go and won’t overeat later in the day.
So I'm going to show you how to get the protein, as well as some nutrient rich veggies and heart healthy fats for your soon-to-be favorite new “go-to” breakfasts.
Breakfast Food #1: Eggs
Eggs really are all they’re cracked up to be......cholesterol and all!
First, they’re an excellent source of protein for both meat eaters and vegetarians. Eggs also contain important nutrients that can be difficult to include in your diet.
Choline, for example, is a cousin to the B vitamins and is needed to make a neurotransmitter that’s key to learning and memory. Studies also show it can help protect against cognitive decline and dementia and that people who eat more have lower anxiety levels. The bad news: the vast majority of Americans don’t get enough in their diet.
The good news: Egg yolks are the most concentrated source you can find of Choline.
Eggs are also rich in B12, a nutrient that is important for immunity and energy. A deficiency can lead to feeling tired and weak 24-7 (and you definitely don’t have time for that).
Breakfast Food #2: Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds contain protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Nuts and/or seeds would make a great contribution to breakfast.
Nuts and seeds are also the ultimate fast food if you're running late in the mornings. Grab a handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds and an apple or orange as you're running out the door; you can nosh on them while you're commuting.
Not to mention how easy it is to add a spoonful of nut/seed butter, chia seeds, hemp seeds and flax seeds into your morning breakfast smoothie.
Delicious Tip: If you like a latte in the mornings try making one with nut butter. Just add your regular coffee, a splash of almond milk , 1 teaspoon coconut oil, and a tablespoon of cashew butter or almond butter into your blender & blend until frothy.
Breakfast Food #3: Veggies
Yes, you already know you really should get protein at every meal including breakfast; but this also applies to veggies.
Veggies are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, fiber, and water. You can't go wrong adding them into every single meal of the day so if you don't already you should definitely try them for breakfast!
And no, you don't need to have a salad or roasted veggies for breakfast if you don't want to but you totally can! Adding some protein to veggies is a great combination for any meal. Including breakfast.
Need a recipe to pull it all together? Try making my Veggie Egg Muffins.