Mornings can be chaotic for a thousand different reasons. Maybe you overslept, or can't find your keys, or maybe your kids just told you that they need a batch of homemade cookies for the school bake sale happening that day! Whatever the reason, we have all experienced the feeling of being rushed in the morning.
Unfortunately, too many people try to gain a little extra time in the morning by compromising on (or skipping entirely!) breakfast - still the most important meal of the day.
A poor or nonexistent breakfast sets you up for disaster. You'll miss out on an immediate metabolism and brain boost (source), and face cravings that can cause overeating.
So What Makes the Perfect Breakfast?
The food you put into your body is like the fuel you put into your car. The wrong fuel will have you breaking down pretty quick, but a healthy breakfast will provide the nutrients needed to maintain energy through the day. So what makes a great breakfast? According to TGS Dietitian Diana Steele, the key nutrients for breakfast time are:
- Iron
- Fibre
- Potassium
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
Together, these ensure that you can perform at your best throughout the day.
Now, there are lots of great breakfast recipes to get this combination of nutrients. Overnight oats, chia puddings, and protein pancakes are all good options. It’s also important to keep an eye out for the types of fats you’re consuming in the morning. It's great to add things like avocados, soymilk, and peanut butter, as they are considered “good fats.” They provide a tremendous source of omega-3 and help combat heart disease and cholesterol.
However, those recipes only solve half the equation (nutrition). What about the other half... time! All those recipes still take time and thoughtful planning to make happen.
That's where smoothies come in.
Smoothies Tick All the Boxes (and Then Some)
Smoothies are one of the fastest breakfasts to put together and take out the door. A solid smoothie containing fruits, veggies, and an assortment of nuts or seeds will have all the nutrients we listed. That's why we make sure every one of our ready-to-blend smoothies has all those things. But there are even more ways to make your smoothies perfect in the morning.
Reduce cravings. By starting your morning with a smoothie full of fruit and vegetables you’ll be fuelling up your body with the fibres and lean proteins needed to keep you full until lunchtime. Try adding spinach to your smoothie as it contains thylakoid, which is proven to reduce those mid-morning cravings.
Increase antioxidants. Antioxidants are an amazing addition to any breakfast meal. They can be found in a wide array of fruits and veggies, and smoothies are an excellent way to consume a variety of them very quickly. Acting as a sort of defence network against damaged tissues, antioxidants help prevent serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Try adding two teaspoons of Matcha green tea powder to your smoothie if you’re looking to boost your antioxidants in the morning.
Promote a better night’s sleep. Having trouble sleeping? Try adding kiwi or oats to your smoothie. They contain magnesium and calcium, which studies have shown can promote better sleep.
Boost your immune system. If you’ve been feeling under the weather, you can try adding carrots or sweet potatoes. They are full of beta-carotene, which will naturally boost your immune system to help you fight off what ails you.
In Summary...
Creating a consistent, nutrient-rich breakfast habit is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Although there are many ways to have a great breakfast, they often take lots of time and planning, which isn't realistic for most people.
So we say: stick with a diverse, nutritious mix of smoothies. Not only will you see numerous benefits, but you may also even be able to hit the snooze button a couple of times and still make it out the door on time!
What else do you think makes the perfect breakfast smoothie? Let us know in the comments below!