Starting each day with a nutritious breakfast is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, especially if you want to lose weight. Not only do the foods you put into your body each morning give you the energy to take on the day, but over time, they also play a significant role in weight management. Unfortunately, many breakfast options—such as carb-loaded pastries and sugary cereal—could be detrimental to your weight loss goals. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of tasty, healthy options to choose from!
To discover some of the best, low-calorie breakfast foods that can help you shed pounds at a healthy rate, we spoke to Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Krutika Nanavati. She told us that oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and eggs make a few fantastic options. Read on to learn more about the benefits of each of these ingredients.
1. Oatmeal
When it comes to healthy breakfasts, it doesn't get much better than a hearty bowl of oatmeal. This complex carb is packed with benefits! "It is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps the body feeling full for longer periods, reducing the temptation to snack," Nanavati says.
Luckily, thanks to its versatility, there are so many ways to prepare oatmeal to suit your tastes—and so many opportunities for healthy toppings. "Oatmeal can be cooked with water or skim milk and sweetened with a small amount of honey," Nanavati says. Adding fruits like berries or sliced bananas increases the nutritional value without adding many calories." Perfect!
2. Greek yogurt
If oatmeal isn't quite your thing, Greek yogurt is a creamy alternative with similar benefits. It's another perfect blank canvas for nutritious toppings, and it offers up so many nutrients on its own, too. "Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in calories, making it a perfect breakfast food," Nanavati says. "It also contains probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health."
"Greek yogurt can be eaten plain or mixed with fresh fruits for added flavor and nutrition," she notes. "It can also be used as a base for smoothies." Yum!
3. Eggs
Eggs are another classic breakfast staple that can also do wonders for your weight loss journey. "Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and contain numerous essential nutrients," Nanavati tells us. "Despite their high nutrient content, they are relatively low in calories."
There are so many ways to prepare your eggs, but some options are healthier than others. "Eggs can be prepared in numerous ways for breakfast, including boiling, poaching, or making an omelet with low-fat cheese and vegetables," Nanavati lists. All of these are viable choices for anyone looking to lose weight.
The bottom line
The key to eating healthy and losing weight is not only considering the amount of calories you're eating, but also ensuring that you're fitting the right nutrients into your daily diet. Each of these foods recommended by Nanavati is low-calorie, nutrient-rich, and a great way to set yourself up for a healthy day. Plus, they're delicious!
