“Eat This Not That” is The WALK’s newest column about how to make healthy and delicious choices amongst all the foods and situations that pop up in your daily life. This week’s article is centered upon the most important meal of the day: breakfast. Without question, breakfast is the meal many college students tend to skip. However, it is important to kick-start your metabolism by not neglecting this meal. With all the options available to you, it can be tough to know what to pick when challenged with the decision of how to start your day. Whether your breakfast occurs at 7 am or 2 pm, here are some thoughtful choices that you can make happen.
Eating your breakfast at home? Not a problem. It can be tempting to go for the commercialized quick, sweet, and easy morning options. Sugar cereals are delicious, frozen waffles smell heavenly when toasted, and it is so easy to down a large glass of OJ. But there are some easy, yummy switches you can make for items like these. For example, trade in some oatmeal for your cereal. Oatmeal has lots of fiber, which can keep you fuller, longer. Quaker has some really yummy flavors and is also fairly affordable. Trade in some whole grain toast with Nutella and a cup of Greek yogurt for your usual frozen waffles and butter. This protein-packed option will help keep you alert and awake in class and away from feeling starved before lunchtime arrives. As for your beverage of choice, swap sugary choices for other more nutritious fruit options. Try something like V8 that is a blend of veggie and fruit juices. I really like V8 Fusion which contains a mix of fruit and vegetable juice- try Pomegranate Blueberry.
Eating out doesn’t have to equal pigging out. There are tons of options available, whether you are getting a grab-and-go breakfast before class our out to brunch with the ladies. There is no need to sacrifice flavor: some breakfast staples you love only need be tweaked a little to make your breakfast fit and fabulous. Take bagels: choose a wheat bagel over plain. When thinking of toppings, skip the cream cheese. Sure it tastes great but you will still be hungry within 2 hours. Instead, go for the egg on top. Eggs are both tasty and nutritious- you will feel fuller and more energetic, lasting through lunchtime. Other healthy choices you can make include switching out pastries like muffins or croissants for more hearty and healthy options like yogurt, granola, or a breakfast wrap like the spinach and feta wrap offered by Starbucks. You will get more bang for your buck with heartier, calorie efficient options.
Follow these tips and you can make sure that your breakfast is a delicious, fun, and healthy way to start your day.
– Madeleine Wilson
Images courtesy of The Tiny Prints (1, 2, ).