No, You Can't Have Bacon for Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day—then why do so many of us grab cold pizza first thing in the morning? We hate to break it to you, but those donuts, and bacon strips, and donuts covered in bacon strips, only taste good; they don't provide any of the nutrients you need when the sun rises. Put down that flavored yogurt and come with us as we explore the best and worst breakfast options!
1. Leftover Pizza
This should really go without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway: don't eat greasy pie for breakfast. Pizza remains a popular breakfast choice, despite its calories and unhealthy fats; studies show that 69% of Americans would choose pizza if it were a breakfast option, though only 2% admit to actually chowing down. Either way, it's not the best way to kickstart your day.
2. Sugary Cereals
Some cereals boast more nutrients or come fortified with vitamins, and others are pumped with sugar. Those sugary cereals lack the nutrients you need, are often high in carbs, and can cause blood sugar spikes. Suffice it to say, they make for a terrible breakfast and cause hunger throughout the day.
3. Pancakes With Syrup
We get it. Nothing says "good morning" like a heaping mound of syrup on fluffy pancakes! The sad truth is, pancakes hardly keep you full. They’re easily digested and low in fiber, meaning you’ll only be hungry later. Not to mention, slathering them with syrup only adds more empty calories and a bunch of sugar.
4. Pastries
Resist those breakfast pastries—donuts, muffins, and danishes are essentially little cakes without any real nutrition. They’re filled with calories, sugar, and fat, and always leave you hungrier throughout the day. Too many of them can also cause weight gain or an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
5. Bacon
Processed meats, like bacon or sausage, come with tons of salt and saturated fats; they’re prime candidates for heart disease and high blood pressure risks and shouldn’t be eaten regularly. Ideally, you should only indulge once every couple of weeks.
6. Fried Foods
It isn’t only bacon you have to worry about, either. Classics like hashbrowns and fried eggs have just as many calories and unhealthy fats, and carry just as many risks for disease. You're also looking at higher fat, more calories, and excessive sodium.
7. Fast Food Breakfast
Fast food breakfasts have just about everything we’ve covered so far: unhealthy fats, calories, sugar, sodium, high calories…need we continue? You can make all kinds of overnight recipes to save time in the morning, so resist the golden arches!
8. Flavored Yogurt
The right yogurt has a bunch of probiotics and nutrients to start your day—the wrong yogurt, however, is only filled with additives. Flavored yogurt is a nutritious wannabe that often comes with added sugars and artificial flavors. You aren't doing yourself any favors by reaching for it; if you need to sweeten Greek yogurt, stick with healthy alternatives like fresh fruit or a honey drizzle.
9. Fruit Juice
You want whole fruits in the morning, not fruit juice. Not only is juice high in sugar, but it also lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole fruit. Frequent consumption can cause spiked blood sugar and an increased calorie intake, too.
10. Breakfast Burritos
They’re tasty, they’re filling—and they’re also poor breakfast options (for the most part). Your average burrito comes with processed meats, cheese, and fried potatoes, all bound in a white tortilla. What you’re left with is an item loaded with unhealthy fats and sodium.
Don't let us scare you away from the breakfast table! You still have dozens of healthy options that not only taste great, but also do the body some good. Sink your teeth into some of the best breakfast dishes.
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal really depends on how you make it. Some people load it with dried fruit and granola, which isn't the best choice. Made properly, however, it's one the perfect breakfast options around. It’s simple to make, loaded with B vitamins, and chock full of iron (among other things), it’s a hearty option just begging for add-ons like fresh berries or peanut butter.
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2. Eggs
What can't eggs do for us? Rich in protein and nutrients, these little guys are as versatile as they are healthy. Poach them, boil them, or scramble them with a handful of veggies to get the most out of your breakfast. The important thing is you keep away from frying them.
3. Berries
Berries are small but mighty breakfast foods filled to the brim with antioxidants. They also come with plenty of vitamins and fiber that not only reduce inflammation, but keep your heart healthy, too. Toss them in a smoothie or eat a handful on their own.
4. Whole Grain Toast
Whole grain is far better than white toast, especially in the morning. Brown toast has complex carbs and fiber, both of which keep you fuller longer and promote healthy blood sugar levels. You’ll also get a good serving of iron and B vitamins.
5. Bananas
If you want healthy blood pressure and sustained energy, you’re in the right place. Loaded with potassium, natural sugars, and fiber, bananas are an amazing option that help ward off hunger. They’re versatile, too, making great additions to smoothies or oatmeal.
6. Almond Butter
Peanut butter is a delicious, protein-rich spread, but almond butter brings a bit more to the breakfast table. Much like its cousin, almond butter comes high in protein, but it also has all kinds of healthy monosaturated fats and has a good serving of vitamins.
7. Cottage Cheese
Contrary to popular belief, cottage cheese is anything but bland. It’s loaded with calcium and B vitamins, and pairs well with other heart-smart options. Honey, fresh fruit, or even protein powder can help mask the taste if you don't like the tang, but it's a small price to pay for health!
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8. Greek Yogurt
This is the healthy yogurt you want in the morning, not the flavored stuff! Plain Greek yogurt is high in protein, which keeps you fuller longer, and also offers enough probiotics to aid digestion. It's one of the best things you can have with breakfast or as a snack.
9. Avocado Toast
We all know that avocado is a superfood, but it’s also an ideal breakfast choice. Though you can stick one in smoothies, avocados work best mashed on toast! They offer plenty of monosaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins; you stay fuller longer, and maintain heart health, too.
10. Smoothies
Think of smoothies like the ultimate blank canvas. With a blend of protein powder and fresh fruits and veggies, you’ll have a simple breakfast packed with all the goodies your body needs to stay energized. Best of all, you can make them in advance to save time during the week.
