She explains the strategy behind eating whole grains for breakfast: "Eating whole grains for breakfast over refined carbohydrates will fuel your body with adequate fiber to keep you full and prevent overeating."
Great whole grain breakfast options include oatmeal, whole grain cereals, and whole grain breads.
Specifically, the fiber in whole grains helps keep your digestion running smoothly. Richards explains, "The fiber content will also boost your metabolism by improving digestive health by feeding the good bacteria in the gut."
While fiber can kickstart your metabolism and expedite your weight loss goals, adding other ingredients to your whole grains can be a good way to round out your diet.
Richards explains the advantages of adding in lean protein and healthy fats to your breakfast as well. "Taking in lean protein and healthy fat from eggs will boost your metabolism by contributing to lean muscle growth."
The lean muscle growth will help increase calorie burn. She continues, "Lean muscle burns calories by simply existing and the more you have the higher amount of calories your body will burn at rest."
If you want to give your metabolism an even bigger push, pair your breakfast with a side of fruit. Richards explains, "The fiber in fruit increases the rate at which your body burns calories. A secondary way in which fruit increases metabolism is through the thermogenic effect of fruit."
For example, adding apples to your oatmeal can be the perfect way to boost your metabolism first thing in the morning.