I am a healthy eater in general but not avowedly so. I don't beat myself up if I eat the occasional baguette, croissant or piece of chocolate. Regarding the latter, I'd have to beat myself up several times a week!
Now while I avoid 'white' foods in general, don't eat many fried foods and don't drink soda pop, I enjoy my coffee and wine, as well as a nice meal out once in a while. For me, there's nothing worse than heading out to dinner with folks and having someone pointing out the dangers of every morsel you put in your mouth and making you feel like you should get the death penalty for ordering dessert!
That aside, I'm a big believer in a healthy breakfast. It kick starts the metabolism, sets the tone for the day, and has the ability to really do our hearts good, if we let it.
I am a Bran Bud girl in general. Not the most lip-smacking of cereals but packs a massive fiber punch and is great for digestive health. For a break, I eat plain oatmeal, with about a half teaspoon of sugar, or else it's a bit wallpaper paste-ish to me, and I'm not a honey fan. A shake of cinnamon or apple sauce would do the trick too.
My kids eat oatmeal every morning too (but get pancakes on Sundays!) and I read somewhere recently that oatmeal may revv up the metabolism too much and cause children to get hungry again quickly, although there are also studies that say the opposite. If true, this is a bonus to me, my kids need the extra weight an extra snack might bring as a result so that was good news to my ears. And most people have found that oatmeal actually keeps them pretty full all morning, as well as being full of healthy qualities like soluble fiber and complex carbohydrates, not to mention vitamins and minerals. And nothing warms the belly better in order to face the winter mornings than a steaming bowl of oatmeal. Don't let the lack of sugar put you off. Using additives like cinnamon to flavor it is a perfect solution. A banana might work too, as would other fruits or even natural vanilla or organic maple syrup.
Some brands serve oatmeal already prepared with apples, or brown sugar. These do add in extra sugar, and while not fantastic (my kids like them) they are a lot better than the other cold cereals that contain nothing more than sugar and meal or corn, many with even more sugar on top, called 'frosting'.
So while we can't always guard what our kids' eat at school, starting them - and us - off with a decent, nutritious breakfast can keep them more alert, with better brain function, and a better shot at an healthy heart.
Tell Us
What do you eat for breakfast? Do your kids eat sugary cereals or have you tried oatmeal? Do you feel a difference when you've had a healthy breakfast, as opposed to a fried one, or one filled with sugar?
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Cream of Wheat used to be my favorite hot cereal, too. But, putting brown sugar on it was my downfall, haha!
Have you ever made a microwave omelet? So easy - spray the inside of a ramekin, whip the egg (or substitute, or egg white), add herbs or whatever. It takes maybe 1 to 1:30 minutes in the microwave to cook. You can make your own egg muffin this way. :))
December 10, 2008 - 6:34pmThis Comment
I love breakfast!
In the winter time, my favorite is Cream of Wheat. Not sure how that compares to oatmeal? (good subject to research!). I make the Cream of Wheat with half water/half milk, then add a little brown sugar and cinnamon on top. Serve with apple slices...yummy! It is really quick to make, about 1-2 minutes in the microwave.
My son and I usually eat the same thing for breakfast (I don't have a choice; he'll want whatever I have), so for cold cereal we usually opt for Cheerios (I get Honey Nut Cheerios for myself), any type of Kashi-brand cereal.
I've also made pancakes with ricotta cheese and pureed beets, mixed with pumpkin puree and store-bought pancake mix (I know! sounds terrible but it is so good..you can't taste the beet puree, and the ricotta has no flavor; just adds a creamy texture). So, I don't feel bad having pancakes, since they're packed with protein and nutrients. I have some maple syrup or apple butter to dip the pancakes in (they aren't swimming in sugar that way).
I love eggs, but agree with Diane that it's too much prep work. I make the pancakes ahead of time, freeze them, then pop them in the toaster oven. I also like the grab-n-go oatmeal bars, there are some that are healthier options.
December 9, 2008 - 3:27pmThis Comment
I have to admit at being horrible about breakfast.
I know how important it is, and I know I feel much better when I have one. I don't snack as much and I can concentrate more (which is important with my ADD).
And yet....
I hate the routine of breakfast. I hate that there is something that stops me from getting my day started. When I wake up, I'm interested in doing whatever it is that I have to do that day, and sometimes it seems like getting breakfast, showering, getting dressed and doing morning chores are all just in a big conspiracy to keep me away from the good stuff!
This means that getting cereal and milk is quite a concession for me. Oatmeal? I love it, but it requires more steps and therefore throws me off. Eggs? Ewwwww. (I never liked eggs, and my mom never believed me. "Eggs?" she'd say. "Everyone likes eggs!") Toast? I love it too, but it sticks with me for about 15 minutes. Sadly, things like Pop-Tarts (I know, I know) are appealing because (a) it's grab-and-go and (b) (I know, I know) it's sweet.
Right now I'm doing well with some Quaker Oats and Honey granola, which also has almonds and raisins in it, and I use soy millk on it. It's a pretty good compromise for me, so I'll probably stick with it for awhile. But I totally admire you breakfast-eaters. I know it's something I should be better at, but it just doesn't come naturally.
December 9, 2008 - 10:47amThis Comment
Usually during the work week, my breakfast is oatmeal, preferably steel cut - but, admittedly "instant" weight management variety that I prep at the office because I get there so early. As a kid, the only "kid's" cereal I liked was Rice Krispies with bananas (I can't have cow's milk). I also have fruit, usually berries. My kids liked cereal, french toast or waffles (I would make a batch of Belgian waffles to freeze and pop in the toaster later).
I totally agree that it's important to feed the body - and the brain - with a good breakfast, and getting our children into the habit.
December 8, 2008 - 7:36pmThis Comment