Perhaps you have always been hearing that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Actually, research has proven its truth. Scientists have found that eating breakfast speeds memory recall and improves cognitive function. Other studies show that starting your day with a well-balanced meal prevents fatigue and food cravings.
Breakfast is really the ultimate power meal because it replenishes the brain with glucose –its main fuel – after a prolonged period of fasting.
Here are some proven strategies that will maximize your breakfast’s effectiveness.
Use fortified soy milk.
Studies report that individuals who have regular soy protein intake reduce their risk of heart disease by up to 30 percent.
Include whole grains.
Rich in fiber, they prevent the absorption of calories from fats and proteins. Researchers found that women who added just 60g of fiber-rich cereal to their breakfast lost weight without making any dietary changes.
Sprinkle on some flax seed.
Flax gives you a healthy dose of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that prevents heart disease. Scientists say diets high in these “friendly fats” lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by 9%. Add flax seed to cereal or mix it into muffin or pancake batter.
Toss in toasted soy nuts.
Soy nuts provide isoflavones, compounds that counter the properties of the hormone estrogen that cause breast cancer. Sprinkle two teaspoons onto your cereal.
Add berries.
Berries contain vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that fights cancer-causing free radicals. Use berries to top cereal or whole-wheat waffles.