Breakfast Tips For The Whole Family!

To breakfast or not to breakfast?

Breakfast can be a very controversial topic. There is a whole host of different opinions, especially in the fitness/nutrition industry, on whether you should be eating breakfast, or whether fasting is better for you.

When I am designing nutrition plans for my clients, I take in to account your lifestyle, and what works for you (in the real world).

Personally, I am a huge fan of breakfast, and I feel it's an important start to the day. I like to make sure that my children go to school knowing they have had a good, healthy start to the day. Breakfast can look different for everyone, and it's important to acknowledge what is going to work for you, your lifestyle, and your family. If you set unrealistic goals, then you will find that the healthy habits will be harder to maintain and stay consistent, which is key for a healthy lifestyle.

To Fast Or Not To Fast?

Fasting is an individual choice, and it's best to consult your doctor before starting any new fasting routines. Personally, I choose not to fast because I am on medication that requires a full stomach. I am not against fasting, and there are benefits to fasting, which include supporting weight loss, improving blood sugar, and helping with the prevention of certain obesity-related conditions.

There are also a wealth of benefits to eating breakfast, which include:

• Improved concentration

• Replenishes vitamins and nutrients

• Improved energy levels

• Maintains weight management

A popular fasting choice, and my 'go to' if clients are looking to go down the fasting route, would be the 16:8 intermittent fasting. It involves fasting for 16 hours and consuming all your calories during an 8-hour window. For example, you could fast from 8 p.m. and start eating at noon, consuming your food between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. This is just a rough guide, and work or family life can make fasting difficult. The best time to exercise during this time is early in the morning. This is to keep in line with our natural carbohydrate metabolism and can help balance hormones.

Healthy breakfast recipe for the whole family!

My 'go to' recipe for a healthy breakfast is packed full of protein, and is a well balanced and nutritious start to your day.

175g of FAGE 5% Fat Greek Yogurt

1tsp Honey

1tsb Grated Fresh Ginger

2 tbsp Chia Seeds

2 tbsp Seed Mix

60g Bio & Me Granola

A Handful Of Strawberries

I also have a spearmint loose leaf tea with a 'Vida Glow' collagen sachet mixed in.

When I'm in a rush, which is 90% term time! I like to be safe in the knowledge that I have sent my children in with a healthy breakfast. My quick go-to breakfast has always been some pancakes, yoghurt, and fruit. I like to provide a little bit of variety in the hope that this curbs the breakfast boredom. Instead of pancakes, I will replace them with some cereal. Home-made granola has gone down well too. They are at a stage where they think dates taste like sweets, so I am going to keep adding them until this novelty wears off in years to come! When I have a little more time on my hands, I try to be more adventurous with a dippy egg or beans on toast. This can be a great breakfast for children of any age.

I try to add a little juice to their breakfast too, either an innocent smoothie juice pack or a small glass of watered-down innocent orange or apple juice. I 100% don't recommend fasting for children. Even if they can only get to school with a bit of toast and a banana, this is going to fuel their body for the day.

I am thrilled to announce that a new ebook featuring a collection of healthy recipes for the whole family will be coming soon. Stay tuned for more updates!

Healthy breakfast choices for the whole family!

Here's a list of some more healthy breakfast ideas for the whole family:

• Oats/overnight oats: This is a fantastic breakfast option, rich in antioxidants and fibre, and can keep you feeling fuller for longer. This powerful breakfast option can lower cholesterol levels. Try adding some honey for a healthier sweet option.

• A portion of fresh (80 g) or dried fruit (30 g) to your breakfast adds a healthy kick to your breakfast. Fresh fruit and dried fruit are packed full of vitamins and minerals.

• Sourdough or wholegrain toast with mashed avacado: avacados have a wealth of benefits. Not only can they help you feel fuller for longer, but they also provide antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation. Avacados are great for heart health as well as helping towards the prevention of certain diseases. They are also packed with nutrients.

• Eggs! Eggs! Eggs! Eggs are so versatile, especially for a family with many different egg needs! Whether it's dippy eggs, poached eggs, or scrambled eggs, eggs are among the most nutritious foods on earth. They are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Wow, I used a lot of eggs in that sentence! (Apologies for that.)

Summary

To summarise my blog of healthy tips for breakfast, whether you enjoy breakfast or are looking into the benefits of fasting, choosing what's right for you and your family is essential for maintaining healthy habits. Creating a routine is important to maintain long-term consistency. Even making the smallest changes to your breakfast routine can have a huge long-term impact on your health.

Hannah x