Breakfast...you can do it.

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day! (well, some say)  But why is it sometimes the HARDEST meal of the day to plan for if you're eating clean?  Lunch and dinner usually have interchangeable choices...not to mention you can always throw the novelty "breakfast for dinner" into the mix.  But, breakfast, seemingly, has limits (although self/society-imposed) which make it a little harder to navigate if you're watching what you put into your body and not looking to reach for a sugar-filled cereal or a monstrously carby bagel.  Fear not...there ARE options!  A little preplanning solves the breakfast dilemma in a snap.

• For starters, plan your meal around the 40-30-30 rule; 40% protein, 30% carbs, 30% fats (if you know that you benefit from a different ratio, then by all means, go forth and conquer!)
• Look for foods with lean protein: eggs, low fat cottage cheese, low fat Greek yogurt, fish, poultry
• Look for healthier versions of other breakfast foods you enjoy: whole wheat English muffins, multigrain rounds, plain rolled oats, low sugar/fat granola
• Incorporate fresh fruit (in moderation)
• PLAN YOUR BREAKFAST THE NIGHT BEFORE!  At least conceptualize what you intend to make so you're not at a loss the next morning and default to something unhealthy and quick.

For me, when I'm in a pinch, Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Shakeology is where it's at; a ridiculous combination of healthy, delicious, easy, and quick (and will fill you up).  Another option is a Greek yogurt parfait I make, usually for lunch, but that would do well for breakfast, too.  Two eggs on a whole wheat English muffin, 1/2 cup of 1% cottage cheese, and half an orange is another way to go.

Eating breakfast gets you ready for the day, both physiologically as well as psychologically.  Put something healthy in your body in the morning and you are setting yourself up for a successful day.  Now go get 'em!

(For more on Shakeology, click HERE)