Start the day off right with a healthy breakfast
September is All-American Breakfast Month and many school districts will be emphasizing to students the importance of a healthy breakfast. Kids who eat breakfast have been shown to have better overall diets, school performance and less behavior or cognitive problems. The same holds true for adults as well. Here are a few tips to help you make the commitment to eating a healthier breakfast in September:
• Look for lean protein. Eggs and egg whites most often come to mind when we think of breakfast protein foods, but beans, fish, chicken and lean beef make excellent options, too. Try a beef or chicken fajita omelet or breakfast burrito.
• Try cold oats. Mix rolled oats with any liquid, such as milk or yogurt, in a 1:1 ratio in a glass jar. Stir in fruit and a sweetener, such as honey, brown sugar, etc., if desired. Add spices such as cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg, as desired. Shake to mix well and refrigerate overnight. Enjoy the next morning.
• Be careful when choosing cereal bars, frozen meals or ready-to-eat cereals. Many times these have many calories, added sugars, fats and unwanted additional ingredients or preservatives. Experiment with making your own for the week or making some and freezing them. This way you know exactly what foods are going into the meals you eat.
— Vicky L. Chesser, LSU AgCenter dietitian