Nov 12, 2021
There is nothing quite so American as enjoying pancakes for breakfast on the Fourth of July or at a family brunch. However, this classic breakfast isn't very diet-friendly, no matter how you top them. According to the American Heart Association, a single buttermilk pancake contains 160 calories and 3 grams of saturated fat. That's not including syrup or any other toppings! While some people might think they'd feel fuller if they took their time eating pancakes, one study found that even when participants ate at a slow pace, their bodies produced insulin spikes from the carbs in pancakes just as if it were white bread. Pancaking breakfast time up with a morning workout is definitely the way to go for staying healthy.
Having a grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast may seem novel at first glance. After all, most people have had this classic comfort food for lunch or dinner. However, most people don't realize that a single grilled cheese sandwich can have more than 450 calories! This high-fat dish is made worse with the addition of bacon, which adds even more saturated fat to your morning meal. If you are craving the flavors of a grilled cheese in the morning, substitute some whole wheat bread instead and add an egg for protein.
Just because something has "cake" in its name doesn't mean it's actually good for you! Coffee cakes are usually just miniature cakes baked into bar form. While they might seem harmless, one coffee cake can have up to 680 calories! That's almost twice what you should be eating in a day! The good news is you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of coffee cake in a much healthier version. Make an apple cinnamon bread instead and cut it into slices to serve. You'll get all the morning flavors you want without loading up on calories!
Breakfast burritos are very popular, especially when eaten at fast food chains like Chipotle. What many people don't realize is that these burritos often contain more than 1000 calories! If you're planning to eat out for breakfast, stick to restaurant chains where you know they will include whole grains and lean protein in their dishes. This way, even if they do load up the burrito with junk, at least it won't be as fattening as it would be otherwise.
McDonald's is one of the most well-known fast food chains in America, but very few people realize just how unhealthy their breakfasts can be! The Sausage McMuffin with Egg has 550 calories, 29 grams of fat and 1100 mg of sodium. It may seem like a good idea to grab some breakfast on your way to work, but think again. This sandwich alone contains nearly all the calories you should eat in an entire day! If you are looking for something quick on the go, make yourself an egg white omelet instead with low-fat cheese and whole grain bread. You'll get more protein and fiber without all the fat and sodium.
When choosing a healthy breakfast, it's best to make your own at home and bring it with you in a cooler. This way, you can control the amount of fat, calories and sodium in your meal. Plus, cooking for yourself is always healthier than going out!
Highly processed foods, whether derived from animals or plants, are linked to "bad" gut flora that are linked to poorer health outcomes.
The good gut flora, on the other hand, has specific jobs. It helps the body process food better, it keeps the intestine strong, and it even fights bad things that can happen to your body.
Do you want to know how you can maintain your good gut flora and keep the bad ones at bay? Click HERE to learn more.