Always Eat Breakfast!

Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore... Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast...." - John 21:10-12

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." I have been saying this for years, and research backs this up. The term "break fast" means to "break the fast."

While we sleep, our body is fasting, and it's important to eat something upon waking in order to refill our glycogen levels and provide much-needed nutrients and protein to prevent muscle breakdown and give us energy. If you are trying to lose fat, gain muscle or get in shape, then eating breakfast each day will be one of the keys to your success.

What is a good breakfast? For those of you who don't eat anything now, then anything you eat is an improvement. Even if it's not the healthiest choice available. Do I want you to eat leftover pizza for breakfast? Not really. But if it means eating nothing or eating pizza, I'd rather you eat the pizza. Does this mean you should eat donuts, bagels, sweetened cereals and other junk for breakfast each day? Of course not! Especially if you are trying to lose fat, get in shape or gain muscle.

I recommend eggs for breakfast. They are "the world's most perfect food." Eggs contain healthy fats, high-quality protein and valuable vitamins. Don't worry about the cholesterol (it has very little affect on cholesterol levels in the body), and try to eat them scrambled, boiled, poached or as an omlette. Mix in some veggies, cheese and/or meat, and you have a perfect meal. Eat a piece of fruit or a whole-grain piece of toast with some butter, and you will be well on your way to meeting your goals.

What do I eat each day? Eggs. Typically, I eat three extra large eggs scrambled up with a variety of things. Some days I have eggs with cheese. Other times I scramble them up with a variety of vegetables. Some days I add leftover meat (chicken, steak, sausage, beef).

The point is that I eat eggs nearly every single day and have found a variety of ways to prepare them so I don't get sick of eating them (and no, they have not affected my cholesterol in any negative way).

What are some other good ideas for breakfast? Try the following:

1) One cup of cottage cheese and some pineapple, peaches or other fruit
2) A protein shake and some fruit
3) Real oatmeal with some blueberries or other fruit (optional: add protein powder to your oatmeal)
4) A high-fiber, low-sugar cereal like Fiber One (I don't recommend cereal as most are loaded with sugar and carbs, but some cereal can be okay if you measure out a serving size)
5) Leftovers from dinner or another meal (Yes, you can eat "dinner" for breakfast. A lean meat and veggies is a perfect meal anytime!).

If you're not already eating breakfast, start eating something each day. Small steps add up to be large steps over time. Work on making healthy choices, and everything will fall into place.

Remember, just as it is crucial to start your day with Christ and fuel yourself sprititually, it is important to fuel yourself physically. If you plan ahead and make the right food choices, breakfast will help energize you for optimal health and optimal performance!