Jump out of bed in the morning, and some of us are champions of the breakfast routine, cooking up a culinary storm before even leaving the house. On the other hand, maybe you’re a whirlwind grab-go-eat-run kind of breakfast person? The lesser of the two extremes, many of us sit somewhere in the middle (cornflakes anyone?)
Regardless of which category you fall in, you might want to consider upping your breakfast game.
An energy-rich breakfast can set you up for the day and give you the fuel you need for the day’s tasks, whatever they may be! We’ve picked some of the best brekkies ranging from the quick and easy to the slightly more adventurous so that you can maintain a healthy balance regardless of your schedule.
Is Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day?
We’ve all heard it a million times, 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day’, but is it? There is much debate surrounding the old saying. On a nutritional level, breakfast is supposed to restore our bodies protein and calcium levels used overnight.
There is also evidence to suggest that eating breakfast can help to control our insulin levels throughout the day more effectively. Fluctuating insulin levels can make us feel hungrier and make us more likely to snack.
A healthy breakfast can also go a long way towards giving our bodies loads of the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Energy Foods for Breakfast
Fruit
The best thing about fruit is how diverse it can be. Fruit can be eaten on its own for a quick grab and go breakfast or added to oats, yoghurt or cereal to add an energy boost. Some of the best high-energy fruits include:
· Peaches
· Bananas
· Apricots
· Pineapple
· Oranges
· Berries
Pop into your closest Esquires Coffee and try out our delicious house granola. Jumbo oats, Greek yoghurt, fresh seasonal fruit, chia seeds and nuts. It has been perfectly formulated to fuel your day.
Eggs
Eggs are incredibly versatile and can be eaten in a variety of different ways, making them a brilliant breakfast ingredient. You can add fresh vegetables to omelettes, spinach to scrambled eggs or have them poached with toast
Eggs are Full of Good Stuff
In the humble egg, you’ll find a whole load of nutrients. As well as being packed full of protein, eggs are one of the best sources of choline, a nutrient that is very important for brain and liver health. At Esquires we serve delicious eggs in all forms and combinations from scrambled to poached with spinach, tomatoes, salmon or ham amongst others.
Flax Seeds
Adding a handful of flax seeds to your breakfast can go a long way as flax seeds are incredibly healthy. They’re rich in protein and rich in viscous fibre which will help keep you feeling fuller for longer after eating.
There is also evidence to suggest that flax seeds might help to reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Try adding them to:
· Oats
· Smoothies
· Cottage cheese on toast
Make sure you buy them ground as whole flax seeds cannot be absorbed by your gut and won’t have any nutritional benefit!
Coffee
Hooray, it’s official! Our morning pick me up, and favourite drink is actually good for us. In moderate quantities, the caffeine in coffee can provide just the right pick me up needed to kick start your brain and increase alertness.
Antioxidants
Coffee is also high in antioxidants. In fact, it is believed that coffee is the most significant source of antioxidants in the western diet. Antioxidants are vital in the body as they can protect cell damage caused by free radicals.
For delicious, healthy breakfasts, meals and coffee, pop into your nearest Esquires Coffee and get yourself a nutritious energy boost! See the up-to-date Esquires menu for a hint if what's on offer right now.
