Your mom was right when she told you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Now, especially with kids back in school, this meal can take a backburner to getting organized and out the door on time in the mornings. Here are some easy hacks to get breakfast back on track. Not only will you and your family feel better when you eat that morning meal, you’ll be more likely to reach a healthier weight, have increased energy for the entire day, and you’ll be ready to learn/work at optimal levels.
Hack 1 – Set the breakfast table the night before. Put out bowls, spoons, vitamins, cereal boxes, etc. before you go to bed so everything will be out and ready in the morning. Not only will this save you time in the morning, but you’ll be more likely to sit down and eat something if it is right in front of you.
Hack 2 – Prepare breakfast foods in advance. Cook up some hard-boiled eggs in a big batch and eat them throughout the week. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days both peeled and unpeeled. Peel and slice them in half, add a dash of pepper or paprika, and store in an air-tight container. This works for a grab-and-go meal, too. Cook up oatmeal (steel cut oats are delish!) and store in single-serving containers – just microwave to reheat and toss some berries on top.
Hack 3 – Use to-go containers. If you still can’t find time to sit down for breakfast, get items in to-go containers to eat during your commute. Yogurt and a banana or apple are super-portable and healthy breakfast choices. Dice up berries, melon, and bananas to make a ready-to-go fruit cup and pour on some cottage cheese. Protein bars or shakes will do in a pinch as well. Stock some disposable plastic utensils in your car so you’ll have them when you need them, along with a few napkins.
Breakfast literally means “breaking the fast” from not eating overnight. This meal supplies the brain with the glucose it needs to focus. Even if you can’t make the healthiest choice (like downing that slice of cold pizza from last night’s dinner), eating something in the morning is better than eating nothing. Start tomorrow off right and your body will thank you for it!