Tuesday's Tip of the Day

 Eat within one hour of waking up to kick start your metabolism. 

You've heard it many times, I'm sure. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." When you get out of bed in the morning, you do all kinds of things to wake your body up, like moving around, showering, and brushing your teeth. But, until you eat something, your metabolism is still sleeping.  So, let's wake it up, shall we? Here are some breakfast suggestions:

1.  It's important to eat something that is nutritionally balanced (containing a carb, a protein, and some fat). Some of my favorites include:

* Scrambled eggs made with 2 whites and 1 whole egg, wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla
* Oatmeal cooked with reduced fat or skim milk, mixed with 1/2 cup of dried fruit
* Cereal and a fruit. (Look for cereals that have less than 10 grams of sugar and more than 3 grams of protein per serving)
* Two slices of whole wheat toast smeared with 1 tbsp of peanut butter with a piece of fruit on the side
* Omelet made with 2 whites and 1 whole egg with 1/4 cup of REAL cheese and some chopped up green peppers. 1 slice of whole wheat toast.

2. If you are "on the go" in the mornings, try a protein bar. Again, you need to look at the label to see which one is a good choice. Look for one that is 250 calories or less and has 6 or more grams of fiber. A banana or apple with that makes for a non-messy commute to work or school.

3. Portion control is important. You don't need more than about 300 calories in the morning, unless you are heading out for a super long run or more than 90 minute workout. Invest in a food scale. It was very eye opening to me when I started weighing out my food and realized that I was eating 2-3 times the amount that I thought I was consuming.

4. Drink plenty of water with your breakfast. That will help to fill you up and get your metabolism ready to aid you in getting through your day.