3 Healthy Breakfasts on the Go
Did you know that many nutrition and diet experts consider breakfast the most important meal of the day? Yet surveys show more than half of all Americans regularly skip breakfast at least a few times a week.
For some, it’s a misguided weight loss strategy. But the truth, according to numerous studies, is that no breakfast equals weight gain. (Think about that mid-morning craving for a scone or doughnut and you’ll know why.)
Studies also show that kids who skip breakfast do worse on tests and more poorly in school and that skipping breakfast is linked to a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The problem is, of course, that many of us really don’t have time to cook an omelette or even sit down for a bowl of cereal and fruit. To the rescue come these three ideas for breakfast on the go.
1. Oatmeal in a jar: Fill a lidded container with instant unsweetened oatmeal, then add raisins, nuts, and your sweetener of choice. To save even more time, do this the night before, or dole out a week’s worth of servings on Sunday. Now all you have to do is pour boiling water over the top and close the lid before you head out the door. Or you can bring your portable breakfast to work and make it there.
2. Breakfast burrito: Fill a whole wheat tortilla with beans, cheese, tomato and lettuce (or spinach) and wrap it up tight. This is the healthiest option of all, since you’ve incorporated a significant serving of protein and vegetables. And again, even easier to do the night before, then pop in the microwave.)
3. Nut butter toast: Slather a piece of toasted whole-grain bread with a thin layer of almond, peanut, or cashew butter, and top with unsweetened all-fruit preserves. If you don’t have time for the toaster or need to eat one-handed, make it a sandwich.
