Bad choices ruin brekkie
WE HAVE been told many times that eating first thing in the morning is important to help boost our metabolic rate and support weight control.
But the truth is it’s not just about eating something, rather it’s about eating the right types of food.
In fact, making the wrong breakfast choices could be doing more harm than good when it comes to the hormones that ultimately control fat metabolism in the body.
Here are some of the worst breakfast choices and the reasons why.
FRUIT YOGHURT
If you make your own fruit yoghurt using a plain yoghurt and some fresh fruit there is no issue as all the sugars in both the yoghurt and fruit are naturally occurring.
On the other hand, if you pick up a yoghurt and muesli cup on the way to work you are mostly adding 20–30g or five to seven teaspoons of concentrated sugars into your day.
Just because it looks healthy does not mean it is low in added sugars.
PANCAKES
Generally a weekend treat, pancakes can make a quick and tasty breakfast when we find ourselves at the local cafe. When it comes to their nutritional profile though, pancakes, along with the syrup, fruit and ice cream they are generally served with, can contain more than 50g of sugars as well as plenty of refined carbohydrates thanks to the concentrated white flour they tend to use.
It is the combination of sugars and starches that result in extremely high insulin levels, which make pancakes best left as an infrequent treat, before you are about to undertake plenty of exercise.
BACON WITH YOUR EGGS
Eggs are regularly mentioned when discussing the best breakfast options, thanks to their high protein and nutrient contents.
On the other hand, when they are served with multiple pieces of fatty bacon — or on a large white wrap or bread roll — this quick breakfast on the go becomes high in saturated fat, salt and processed carbohydrates.
The best option? Poached eggs with wholegrain toast and if you must add the bacon, ask for just one slice of the leanest piece on special occasions.