Breakfast, the healthy way to start your day

February is national hot breakfast month.

February is national hot breakfast month. Michigan State University Extension says that this is a great time to focus on the most important meal of the day. We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why do so many of us skip this important meal?

According to the Huffington Post, approximately 10 percent of Americans, or 31 million people skip breakfast everyday. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends, with the help of the MyPlate graphic, a nice visual of what food groups should be included for breakfast and all meals and with the help of the SuperTracker, which helps one plan, analyze and track one’s diet and physical activity, one can stay on track.

There are benefits to having a healthy breakfast:

  • Memory, alertness and focus are sharpened
  • It helps with weight management
  • The body is revitalized
  • Supplies the body with good carbohydrates and protein
  • A variety of vitamins and minerals

But for this national hot breakfast month, let’s focus on how we can improve this important meal. A planned hot and healthy breakfast can provide what many cold breakfasts can’t, that is:

  • A warm way to start the day, on a cold morning
  • Less added sugar
  • Cheaper alternatives, to combat the increasing cold breakfast costs
  • Focus on whole grains and fiber
  • A wider variety of fresh fruit toppings
  • Ease on the tummy
  • With fiber-rich options, the feeling of fullness
  • Nourishment that lasts all morning
  • The feeling of an old-fashioned breakfast

Here are some links to ideas for a hot breakfast for cold and busy mornings from theKitchn and some hot breakfast ideas for busy people, keeping in mind kids and especially teens who don’t like hot breakfasts.

If you are interested, you can have the chance to see what the First lady, Michelle Obama and five experts have for breakfast. But whatever you do, don’t skip the most important meal of the day!

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