You’ll find that many nutrition and fitness practitioners will provide you with a meal plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which you can follow on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. At first, this might be appealing; after all, if you just do what you’re told and stick to the rigid plan, surely you’ll achieve success?
The problem is that it is so difficult to adhere to a generic plan that doesn’t take into account your age, gender, lifestyle, buying and cooking styles and even food preferences. A personalised approach that takes into account all these considerations is much more sustainable over the long term and therefore more likely to achieve your health goals.
The bottom line is that you don’t need to weigh your food and you don’t need to do anything except opting for a variety of real food in sensible, balanced portions.
So, instead, think about what you’re already eating and how you can make small changes and improvements to make each choice count nutritionally.
Step-by-step process to transform your breakfast choices and set yourself up for the rest of the day.
Step 1 – EVALUATE
If your regular breakfast is a heavy milk based coffee with a croissant, that you’ve grabbed at the train station and gulped down before you’ve arrived at work, let’s look at whether this is working for you?
- Was that convenient on a practical level or was the juggling act of eating and drinking stressful and unsatisfying?
Conclusion …….you’ve attempted breakfast but not ideal choices
TRY THIS: High Protein Overnight Oats
Step 2 – IMPROVE
Let’s now look at how you can improve these choices?
- You could opt for a wholegrain muffin instead of a croissant
- Replacing your heavy (perhaps sweetened) coffee with a regular cappuccino would be a lighter alternative
- Grabbing a probiotic naturally sweetened yoghurt pot from your fridge would be a quick and easy way protein-rich option
Conclusion ……you’re still in a rush, but rather than eating on the run, you wait to eat your breakfast whilst running through your inbox at your desk.
TRY THIS: Protein Boost Buckwheat Pancakes
Step 3 – ENHANCE
You’ve made some great changes but still room for improvement…
- Swap the muffin for ready-made porridge or yoghurt & granola bowl from your regular breakfast outlet or bring (in a jar) from home
- Opt for a less milky coffee like an Americano or even better, switch to a black coffee
- Add a portion of fruit
Conclusion ……you’re still eating at your desk checking emails or news headlines (reality prevails!) but you’re now making some great nutritious choices.
TRY THIS: Healthy Protein Packed Granola Bars
Step 4 – OPTIMISE
You’re beginning to feel the benefits of eating real food at breakfast; you’re starting your day energised and invigorated. Taking it to the next stage may need a little more time, but here’s how to optimise your choices even further:
- You’re setting aside 10-15 mins to eat your breakfast at leisure, mindfully whilst you ponder the day ahead.
- You’re regularly bringing in a protein-rich breakfast from home; for example a Bircher muesli, homemade Granola & Greek Yoghurt or a frittata muffin you’ve prepared in advance.
- You’ve switched to a green tea and find you’re not so reliant on coffee to get you going first thing.
Conclusion ……you’re feeling confident that you’re making the right choices and ensuring that you do. Making the wrong choice is not an option any more. You’re enjoying knowing you’re more in control of your food choices and look forward to applying this 4-step process for each meal during the day.
Have a great day!
How healthy is your breakfast? Is there room for improvement?
Let me know below…!
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