ISU Bengal

Issue date: 9/5/07 Section: Life

Media Credit: Tammy Ljungblad Whole-grain French toast with raspberries and blueberries make a tasty breakfast or brunch entree.

With the first week of classes finished, people might be wondering how they can fit everything into their busy schedules. The most important thing to remember to fit into your busy schedule is to take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself does not involve releasing built up stress every Friday night by doing things you will regret by Saturday morning and only causing more stress. Taking care of yourself is a daily activity that requires sleep, physical activity and of course eating well.
Breakfast has not received the reputation of being the most important meal of the day just because it comes first in the alphabet. Breakfast provides a way for metabolism to wake up in the morning and gives you the energy your body needs to learn in early classes and not just hope to absorb information by just sitting in class. Breakfast is also a good way to get the whole grains, dairy, fruits and protein into your diet that will help get you to lunch.
There are many options for breakfast and many ways to make the average breakfast more nutritious. One way of increasing the quality of your breakfast is to look for cereals made with whole grains that have low sugar content, and are high in fiber. If cereal is your typical way of starting your day then there are more ways to make it healthier. Berries, whether frozen or fresh can be added on top of cereal, oatmeal or incorporated into a smoothie for a quick breakfast on the go. It is also important to take into account the type of milk that is being used. Skim milk, 2% milk and whole milk all contain the same amount of important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Skim milk just does not contain the saturated fat that is in whole and 2% milk. Another option to add variety to your cereal or oatmeal is to use soy milk instead of regular milk.
Another way to adjust your breakfast to make it healthier is to choose a protein that is not full of fat. Turkey bacon is one alternative to regular bacon that is lower in fat than regular bacon, lower in calories and higher in actual protein. Eggs are always a good source of protein and are quick to make in the morning. Try adding green and red bell peppers with your eggs which are a good source of vitamin C.
Breakfast is essential to health. Some people remark that they are not hungry in the morning and therefore do not eat breakfast when they wake up. It is not that their body does not need energy in the morning; it is that their body has become accustom to not eating breakfast. Metabolism has slowed down and because the person is used to not eating, normal signs of hunger, hunger pains and stomach growls, are not being sent by the body.
Sometimes it is hard to take the time for breakfast, but breakfast is essential for getting ready for the day both physically and mentally.

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