Benefits of Breakfast
By Madelene Sears
Eating a balanced breakfast every morning helps to kick start your day and your overall health. Everyone, no matter what age, can benefit from eating a balanced breakfast each morning.
Ketosis
When the body wakes from sleep, it is in a state known as ketosis. This means that your carbohydrate stores are very low, because you have not eaten in 6+ hours. A healthy diet provides the body with carbohydrates because they are our main source of energy. Carbohydrates are the easiest macronutrient for the body to breakdown into energy. In a state of ketosis, the metabolic system turns to fat stores to provide the body with energy and in this process the liver begins to produce ketone bodies. Ketone bodies can be harmful within the body because they promote inflammation, leading to liver and other vital organ damage if repeated and prolonged.
Metabolism
After eating a balanced breakfast in the morning, your body is ready to burn carbohydrates and other macronutrient stores throughout the day. You will have more energy, an improved mood and be able to do all the fun activities that your day presents to you. You will think clearly and your senses will be alert because there are no ketone bodies being produced. All metabolic systems are running regularly.
Overnight Oats
One of my favorite breakfasts is overnight oats. You can find organic and local goodies at the market like peaches, pecans, honey, granola, berries, and more to add as toppings to your oats. Come shopping for these seasonal items at the market and then try this recipe at home.
In a mason jar, combine:
1/4 cup of raw rolled oats
1 cup milk (any kind you like)
fruit
nuts or nut butter
pinch of cinnamon
1. Stir together all of the ingredients, cover with a lid and store in the refrigerator overnight.
2. In the morning, add more toppings or just stir to combine and dig in.
Image courtesy of Christa.