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Start Your Day Right With Protein and Fiber
By Calli Rhoades
 Chances are, you have heard that breakfast is good for you. My mom always used to quiz us with the question, "What is the worst thing you can have for breakfast?" Being the clever kids we were, we would always challenge her with answers like, "a candy bar and a Coke," or "cookies and ice cream." Her answer was always the same, "Nothing is the worst thing you can eat for breakfast!"
As silly as this exchange was, she was absolutely right. Starting your day off with nothing is far worse than starting it off with the "wrong things." When you start your day, your tank is empty. You are hungry from the night without food, your body's nutrient resources are depleted, and your energy is lacking. We cannot expect our bodies to perform well with no fuel, just as we cannot expect our cars to complete the road trip if we don't take the time to fill them up before heading out on the road.
With all that being said, there are obviously some choices that are better than others. By choosing foods that are high in fiber and protein, you can ensure a strong start to your day. Protein and fiber satisfy your hunger and will keep you feeling full until lunch time. Sugary cereals and syrups will digest quickly, leaving you hungry earlier in the day. This leads to snacking and heavier choices for lunch and dinner.
Although all food gives you energy, protein-rich foods keep you going longer because protein slows your body's absorption of carbohydrates. Protein also tempers blood sugar fluctuations, preventing spikes and crashes which can leave you hungry and tired. Fiber stabilizes your blood sugar, keeping your energy level even, and adds bulk to fill you up.
To get a jump start on adding more protein and fiber to your breakfast, here are some ideas of protein and fiber-rich foods. So find a few foods you like on the list, add them into your breakfast routine, and enjoy a breakfast with some staying power!
High Fiber Foods
Fruits
Pears
Figs
Blueberries
Apples (with skin)
Strawberries
Peaches, dried
Orange
Apricots, dried
Raisins
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Grains, Cereal, and Pasta
Spaghetti, whole-wheat
Bran flakes
Oatmeal
Bread, rye
Bread, whole-wheat
Bread, mixed-grain
Bread, cracked-wheat
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Legumes, Nuts & Seeds
Lentils
Black beans
Lima beans
Baked beans, canned
Almonds
Pistachio nuts
Peanuts
Cashews
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Vegetables
Peas
Artichoke, cooked
Brussels sprouts
Turnip greens,
Potato, baked with skin
Corn
Popcorn, air-popped
Tomato paste
Carrot
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High Protein Foods
Beef
Hamburger patty
Steak
Most cuts of beef
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Chicken
Chicken breast
Chicken thigh
Drumstick
Wing
Chicken meat, cooked
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Fish
Most fish filets or steaks
Tuna
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Pork
Pork chop
Pork loin or tenderloin
Ham
Ground pork
Bacon
Canadian-style bacon (back bacon)
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Eggs & Dairy
Egg, large
Milk, 1 cup
Cottage cheese
Yogurt, 1 cup
Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie, etc.)
Medium cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss)
Hard cheeses (Parmesan)
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Nuts & Seeds
Peanut butter
Almonds
Peanuts
Cashews
Pecans
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Flax seeds
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Beans (including soy)
Tofu
Soy milk
Most beans (black, pinto, lentils, etc)
Soy beans
Split peas
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* DVO welcomes your kitchen hints and cooking or nutrition questions! Email us and we'll post your hints and Q/A's in upcoming newsletters! *
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