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Not all breakfasts are created equal. It’s obvious what to avoid, like chocolate chip muffins and sugary cereal. Yet it’s not as clear what you should be eating in the morning to ramp up energy and rev up metabolism. The answer lies in a filling and delicious carb.
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Everyone needs carbohydrates because their sugar content gives the body energy. But here’s the twist: simple carbs, like bagels, are converted to sugar too quickly for your body to do anything but crash. On the other hand, there’s steel-cut oatmeal, a slow carb filled with healthy protein and fiber. This should be your go-to breakfast.
“People who eat good carbs like oatmeal have more energy, reduced sugar cravings, lose more weight and even have more regular bowel movements”, says Dr. Jennifer Stagg, naturopathic physician and author of Unzip Your Genes: 5 Choices To Reveal A Radically Radiant You.
The fiber in unflavored, steel-cut oatmeal helps to keep your insulin levels low which in turn may help shrink fat cells. Oatmeal is also chewy and takes longer to eat than other breakfast foods. That means you eat it slowly enough to notice when your body feels full. The result: no mindless overeating.
Don’t ruin a healthy bowl of oatmeal by adding sugary toppings. Choose fresh fruit, almond milk or some nuts. Up the fiber content by mixing oatmeal with quinoa, or boost calcium with a spoonful of plain yogurt.
