Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Breakfast Warms-Up Your Morning

On cold winter mornings a hearty breakfast does more than warm your insides. A healthy breakfast gets your body and mind going and enhances physical and learning ability. During a night of sleep our body goes into a fasting state. Our blood sugar will drop low and our body and brain need a new energy supply for the next day. Studies show that breakfast eaters perform better at school and work. Children who start their day with breakfast do better on tests, miss school less often and get more of the nutrients they need. Adults also find that they have more energy and perform better if they eat a healthy breakfast.

An ideal breakfast should consist of some carbohydrates (e.g. cereal, bread and/or fruit), protein (e.g. milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, peanut butter, cheese or an egg) and a small amount of fat. A breakfast of just carbohydrates, such as juice and toast, is used up too quickly and hunger pangs may occur soon after breakfast. Protein can provide longer lasting energy, as it is digested more slowly.

For a warm start, try a bowl of oatmeal topped with spiced apples and cinnamon, along with a glass of milk. Crispy French toast made with egg whites and crushed flaked cereal can be topped with warmed peaches and nonfat yogurt. For something a little easier, pop frozen pancakes in the toaster and roll them around sliced fruit and low-fat cream cheese. A bagel toasted and topped with low-fat cheese and served with a glass of juice is another easy option. Whatever you choose, eat a healthy breakfast to nourish your body and brain. For more information about nutrition call 785-5399.