We know breakfast as the most important meal of the day, and it truly is. But let’s break it down a bit more. BREAK-FAST. When we are sleeping our bodies are fasting so when we wake up we shouldn’t necessarily be eating a huge meal. We should be eating foods that are beneficial to breaking our fast.
So if you don’t eat a heavy meal, what do you eat?
Fruit!
Between 7:00 am and 11:00 am the body is going through its heaviest detoxification, so eating fruit is going to further aid in that process.
The Benefits of Eating Fruit for Breakfast Include:
-Natural energy from natural sugars
-Wakes the digestive system
-Fiber in fruits aids in digestion
-Understanding Fruit Sugar
Many are quick to shut out fruit because of the sugar content, but you have to understand the difference between sugar from fruit and sugar from processed foods. Refined sugar that we know to be in processed food and baked goods are known to be associated with cancer and obesity among other chronic illness.
Sugar from fruit brings alkalinity, vitality, and strength to the cells. It also cleanses the body and does not cause diabetes, unlike its refined counterpart.
In addition to fruit for breakfast, you should get in the habit of drinking lime water as well. Lime water improves digestion, boosts the immune system, removes mucus, rejuvenates the skin, and promotes weight loss.
First Meal of the Day
So after breakfast is when you should have your first meal of the day. This should happen around 11:00 am. Your first meal after breaking fast should be just as nutritious as fruit. So think steel cut oats, chia pudding, avocado toast. These meals are nutritious and help keep you fuller longer.
This way of eating combined with intermittent fasting is sure to boost energy levels, improve mood, promote weight loss, and improve sleep and mental clarity.
Try These Delicious “First Meal of the Day” Recipes
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal provides the body with fiber and helps to fill you up.
Ingredients
-Steel-cut oats or old fashioned oats (Steel-cut oats are less processed)
-blueberries
-raspberries
-agave or honey
-walnuts (optional)
-banana (optional)
Directions
Cook oatmeal according to package. Once cooked top with fruit and nuts, and drizzle honey or agave.
2. Yogurt and Fruit
Ingredients
-Coconut yogurt or preferred non-dairy yogurt
-fruit of choice
-walnuts (optional)
Directions
Scoop yogurt in a bowl, top with fruit and nuts, take an Instagram picture and enjoy!
3. Acai Bowl
Acai bowls are not only filling but are packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
-Acai packet
-frozen mixed berries
-1 banana
-½ cup of water
-fruit of choice (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
-granola
-hemp seeds (optional)
-chia seeds (optional)
-agave (optional).
Directions
In a blender, add ½-1 packet of acai, 1 cup of mixed berries, 1 banana, and ½ cup of water. Blend until you get a smooth thick consistency. You may have to add a little extra water. Once blended pour into a bowl and top with fruit, granola, seeds, and drizzle agave.
4. Avocado Toast
Ingredients
-1 avocado
-1 Roma tomato
-2 slices of toast
-½ lime
Directions
Mash the avocado, squeeze in lime, and season to taste. Top with sliced tomatoes.
5. Nut Butter Toast
Ingredients
-1 banana
-2 slices of toast
-nut butter of choice
-cinnamon
-agave
Directions
Spread nut butter over the toast and top with banana slices. Drizzle agave and sprinkle cinnamon.
Elissa Mirsky, known to most as Elle, is a published author and former editor-in-chief of Bold Magazine. She believes food shouldn’t be boring and every meal should be fashionably edible. Follow her on Instagram @mylifebeingelle where she is documenting her journey to eat well, live life, and love self.