Jump start your day

A recent study featured in an article in Brussels Express concluded that Belgian’s are often skipping breakfast due to time constraints. Sadly skipping breakfast is not a great idea if you want to have a day full of energy. Starting the day feeling too stressed and too busy to eat also puts us immediately into survival mode which triggers to body to store weight, store fat and not build muscle.

So how can we give ourselves a good start to the day and still get out of the door on time?

After a night’s sleep, breakfast is when we get to ‘break the fast’ and give our body a boost for the day. Missing it, or not giving the body enough of what it needs, usually results in a mid-morning dip and a craving for sugar and caffeine to get us to lunchtime… sound familiar?

But sometimes the mornings are such a rush that sitting down for a leisurely breakfast is just not realistic, so here are a few ideas to help you jump-start your day!

• Lemon in warm water – give your liver a boost by squeezing half a lemon into warm water and drink it first thing;

• Get re-hydrated – have a big glass of water… simple stuff! This will re-hydrate your body after the night. If you are someone who likes coffee or caffeinated tea in the morning – make it two glasses of water first!

• If you do not have much time in the morning but are happy to prepare the night before, have a go at this muesli bowl ;

• If you have 10 minutes to prepare breakfast, or you like something warm in the winter, here’s a warm version ; 

• If you prefer something savoury for breakfast think about having whole grains, seeds and nuts in there – they will give you energy for much longer – dark organic bread with mashed avocado, lemon juice and a sprinkling of hemp seeds maybe; 

• If you have a blender, try mixing up a tasty smoothie with banana, apple/pear, berries, avocado, nuts and add in a handful of spinach or other green leaves… you’ll be surprised how good it is!

An extra tip for coffee lovers

If you need a coffee in the morning, drink it after you have eaten – Caffeine causes your body to release sugar into your bloodstream which in turn causes the pancreas to release insulin.  On an empty stomach, this can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar which can then set up more sugar cravings. Having a wholegrain breakfast in your stomach will help modulate this.