Want to fit more fruits and vegetables into your diet? Start with breakfast. It can be easy to kickstart your day and boost your metabolism with nutrient-packed produce.
At Weight Success Centers, our physicians are celebrating “Better Breakfast Month” with tips for adding fresh produce to your morning meals. At the same time, we are also recognizing “Fruits & Veggies–More Matters Month” with these easy meal-planning ideas.
- Make a Fast Breakfast with Ready-to-Go Fruits.
If you’re in a rush, you can still grab a healthy breakfast. Stay stocked with ready-to-go fruits like bananas, apples, and pears to pair with a healthy protein bar from Weight Success Centers. These items require no prep but still pack heart-healthy nutrients and fiber for your digestive system. If you have a few minutes, put your fresh fruits or frozen berries in the blender along with ice and a protein-shake mix. Then, fill a to-go mug and head out the door with your healthy breakfast. - Prep Vegetables in Advance for an Easy Morning.
Obviously, many of us do not have time in the morning to prep vegetables; however, you probably do some chopping the night before or during the weekend. Wash and cut your favorite veggies and fresh produce to have them ready to grab in a hurry. Store veggies like carrots, cauliflower, peppers, cucumbers, or whatever you like in sealed to-go baggies. Even better, stand up carrot sticks or celery in a mason jar with a serving of low-fat cream cheese at the bottom for grab-and-go breakfast dippers. - Add Nutrient-Rich Nibbles into your Breakfast Routine.
Also, it can be quite easy to toss nibbles of fruits and vegetables into your current breakfast routine. For example, berries or cherries make a great topping for your protein-rich Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or multi-grain cereal. Blueberries or strawberries, for example, will offer a healthy dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. If you like cooking scrambled eggs, be sure to stir in a heap of leafy greens like fresh spinach, arugula, or kale to increase the nutritional value of your balanced breakfast.
- Make a Meal Out of Your Fruits and Veggies.
Remember, fruits and veggies do not always have to be the sideshow. In fact, they can be the main dish. Consider making a big vegetable frittata packed with multiple veggies, black beans, and one egg white. Instead of eggs, try a grilled portabella mushroom atop an English muffin with low-fat cheese.
Most deliciously, you could enjoy a fruit salad for breakfast with several different kinds of melon or berries. Sprinkle on some healthy seeds (pumpkin, flax, sunflower) or add nutritious nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios). Finally, add a dollop of yogurt to make it a satisfying breakfast with protein on top.
As a reminder, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests filling half of each plate with fruits and veggies. These quick breakfast tips will ensure your plates are packed with produce.
Will your next breakfast feature fruits and vegetables? Join the conversation on Weight Success Centers’ social media sites and find more great tips to share with your friends and families.
