Chocolate for breakfast? I know you may be thinking that’s a little radical but bear with me. There are lots of instances where you may have chocolate for breakfast like chocolate muffins, chocolate chip pancakes, and even chocolate milk.
But it’s the quality of the chocolate that makes a big difference.
If you’ve been reading any articles about health lately — or even listening to local radio — there’s a big push eating a healthy breakfast. Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day.
When you skip breakfast, the tendency may be to grab a snack in the middle of the morning or eat a large lunch. The problem with this is that we’re creatures of habit and tend to reach for the food that’s familiar and comforting rather than one that’s healthy and good for you.
When you’re thinking about breakfast, don’t skimp because you’re in a hurry. Rushing out the door to work or school isn’t a reason to pass up breakfast. And you don’t have to settle for the same old stuff, either.
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BREAKFAST CHOICES
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When you’re choosing a cereal, make sure to keep your eye on the amount of sugar in the ingredients. Cheerios is a great source of whole-grain that is very low in sugar. For the most part, you’ll want to stick with products that have less than 12 g of sugar per serving.
Toast is also another option but it can be a problem for people who have wheat or gluten sensitivities. If you’re one of those, you can buy gluten-free bread that gives you all the goodness of regular bread without the wheat or gluten. And watch out for the kinds of spreads you use. The same 12 g per serving rule applies to jams and jellies as it does to cereals. If you use margarine, try to find one that gives you Omega 3s as well. Smart Balance is a good pick and they even have a variety that has plant sterols in it for heart health.
One of the things I love to have it breakfast time is sliced apple with peanut butter. In fact, this often takes the place of buttered toast for me.
Fresh fruit is always welcome but keep an eye, again, on the sugars. Don’t have an entire half cantaloupe; cut it into quarters and then use a melon baller to scoop out the flesh.
Eggs are quick and easy option for a good, healthy breakfast. And if you’re a McDonald’s fan, there was a recent news article proclaiming that an Egg McMuffin was one of the best, low fat options for a fast food breakfast.
I love eggs but I have to watch my cholesterol so I use Egg Beaters and really love making a breakfast burrito with their southwestern variety.
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CHOCOLATE AT BREAKFAST
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As for adding chocolate to you’re breakfast, find a product that includes at least 70% cacao and is packed with antioxidants and probiotics to give your day a jump start. Just one square is all you’ll need to get your personal engine running smoothly.