Breakfast IS for champions. Oh, and I want the bling.

Did you think I was talking about a ring? Well, I wasn't. I mean I want that too...don't get me wrong, but I was talking about this beauty I spotted whilst working out yesterday. 

Tell me that is not the cutest apron you've ever seen? I could bake allllll sorts of healthy treats in that little number. I was watching Oprah, and they were doing a cooking segment and one of the girls came out with this on. Jaw dropped. So, naturally I came home and tried to find it...the good news? I found it! Click here, and it can be yours. The bad news? It's a mere $350.00. Jaw dropped again. No, that is not a type-o. I didn't mean to write $35.00. $350.00!?!?! I mean it's cute and all...but I guess it will have to wait. 

My Thursday mornings are always pretty early and pretty busy. I usually have to be to work by 5:30 or 5:45 to train my first client. I go straight through until about lunch time, and there isn't usually much time for breaks in between, which means breakfast needs to be early and quick. I really love eating oatmeal in the morning because it keeps me full. Unfortunately, oatmeal is kinda difficult to eat in the car on the way to work. Hot bowl = burnt hands. So, to remedy the problem I've been making my peanut butter banana oatmeal into a parfait.

 

 I cook my oatmeal, and mix in a bit of cinnamon and splenda. Into my super tall mug I layer a heaping spoonful of oatmeal, put in a lil' bit of peanut butter, and then add some bananas. I layer that all the way up to the top, and I'm on my way. Why is melted peanut butter and bananas SO good? mmmm... Easy and delicious.

For some breakfast is a bit of a second thought...something you think about if you have time, or if you feel like it. You hear people say it all the time...breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, its a true statement. A common misconception is that skipping breakfast means you are eating less, and will promote weight loss. This is actually not true. Those who skip breakfast usually find themselves starving by lunchtime and make up for the lost calories by overeating. It has been proven that those who eat breakfast will be more likely to lose weight, and maintain a healthy one. Not only does eating breakfast stop you from binging on unwanted calories, it jump starts your metabolism.

When you think think about the basics behind your body's need for fuel, a morning meal just makes sense. After sleeping for 7-8 hours your body has been "fasting." Your body has used the food you ate during the previous day as fuel up until that point, and your morning blood glucose levels are low. Glucose fuels the brain and all physical activity, so starting your morning off with low fuel is a bad idea. If you don't eat and you go on with your normal activities your body slows down your metabolism in order to conserve energy. Also, in response to this perceived deprivation the body increases production of cortisol, the stress hormone that leads to fat storage particularly around the midsection.

Now, I know I know... you're "not hungry" in the morning. It may take your body a couple of weeks to get accustomed to eating breakfast. BUT it will happen, and you'll get to the point where you'll wake up hungry! If you're in a hurry plan out your breakfast the night before. Find things that are easy to grab and eat on the run.

Some other things I love for breakfast are Cereal and skim milk or soy milk (Kashi, Corn Bran, Special K Protein Plus, Raisin Bran, & Optimum Power are some of my favorites), protein shakes, an apple or banana and peanut butter, bran muffins, whole wheat toast with pb and honey, but mostly just oatmeal. :) Do you like breakfast as much as I do or am I just crazy? I wake up excited to eat in the morning. Let's be honest, I get excited to eat anytime. What are your easy/healthy breakfast items?