You know that eating breakfast is important. But did you realize that some a.m. choices can set the tone for how you feel the rest of your day. Not only that, but eating a healthy breakfast every morning can reduce the risk for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Here you will get the scoop on which breakfast foods to avoid.
1. Bacon, ham and sausage
Processed meat has nitrates that are associated with colorectal cancer. In fact, the Institute for Cancer Research published a list of the top ten things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. Avoiding nitrates is a number one of them. What does that mean for morning meat eaters? It is time to find a different breakfast option.
2. Sugary cereals
How can you tell the difference between a bad sugary cereal and a good one for your health? Some cereals are full of carbs and sugar. When you eat them, your blood sugar rapidly spikes and then bottoms out. Since you probably do not want your energy to crash at the beginning of the day, it is best to avoid those cereals. Instead, choose cereals with higher fiber and protein. Do you seek for another option? Add ground flaxseed or walnuts for more protein and fiber.
3. Packaged pancakes with artificial maple syrup
While natural maple syrup is a healthy sweetener, there are many artificial types of syrup on the market that are full of high fructose corn syrup. The sweetener, which is derived from corn, is also present in most processed and packaged foods. High fructose corn syrup can lead to more abdominal obesity and visceral fat, which is stored between the organs. This is the fat that leads to cancer. A recent study in one journal also linked high fructose corn syrup consumption to diabetes.
4. Toaster pastries, doughnuts and Danishes
Not only are these pastries made with refined white flour, but there is much sugar added. Sugar is the worst way to fuel you in the morning, because it results in a rapid rise in blood sugar. That means you will be hungry sooner and increase your chances of high blood sugar, obesity and diabetes. If all those health risks are not enough to put you off pastries, there is the other way they can be detrimental to your health. As many scientists believe sugar and cancer are linked.
5. Microwavable breakfast sandwiches
Healthy options exist, but many are packed with preservatives and sodium. In this case best idea is to make your own by microwaving a beaten egg and toast a whole grain English muffin.
6. Light Yogurts
They may have only hundred calories and come in flavors such as red velvet cheesecake, but they are usually filled with artificial sweeteners and chemicals. Go for low fat yogurt instead.
7. Muffins
They top the list of the most caloric breakfast foods. What is the reason? They are extremely dense and what they are packed with is generally not what you need- white flour, oil or butter and a lot of sugar. If you have no other choice, stick to 2 ounces of serving, which is the same size of an extra large egg.
(Via Fitnea)
