We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and it’s true. What you eat for breakfast can make or break your diet for the rest of the day. This first meal of the day kick-starts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories and fat; it also “breaks the fast,” pulling your body out of its catabolic state and preparing it for the day ahead. Moreover, a breakfast with the proper combination of carbohydrates and proteins will help you get better results from your workout.
If you skip breakfast, stop doing so. Skipping this important meal can cause you to overeat later at lunch and dinner, resulting in unwanted weight gain. So if you usually munch on a donut and coffee or skip breakfast altogether, this list is for you. We present you with this list of the best breakfast foods for men.
1. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is considered a “superfood” because of its high fiber content. Fiber, which is typically found in whole grains such as oats, has been linked to a number of health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. Another benefit of fiber: It promotes satiety so that you feel full for longer and won’t overeat. Check out “Fat-Burning Foods for Men” for a list of other superfoods for men.
2. Whole Grain Cereals: Skip the stuff with marshmallows, chocolate and other sweets. When it comes to breakfast cereals, look for something made with whole grains and no added sugar. The whole grains will provide you with heart-healthy fiber (See #1), and you can add some healthy fruit like bananas or berries to calm your sweet tooth. Also, look for protein-fortified cereals when possible. These cereals provide a good amount of protein that your body needs to grow muscle. Read “The Benefits of Protein for Men” for more info on the importance of this nutrient.
3. Eggs: Although the jury is still out on whether the cholesterol in eggs is detrimental to your health, the occasional egg or two won’t hurt you. In fact, eggs are one of the best sources of protein for men. Eggs contain all the essential amino acids your body requires to stimulate muscle growth. This power food is also high in choline, which is crucial for brain function. If you’re concerned about cholesterol, you can find egg whites at your local supermarket; they retain most of the egg’s protein while eliminating a majority of its fat and cholesterol.
4. Green Tea: Replace your morning cup of coffee or orange juice with some green tea to reap some great antioxidant benefits. The variety of antioxidants found in green tea has a number of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health as well as increased calorie burn. Because of green tea’s thermogenic (fat-burning) effect on the body, your metabolism speeds up and expends more calories. Read “The Benefits of Green Tea for Men” for more on why green tea should be part of any healthy breakfast. You can also get a similar thermogenic effect by taking MenScience Thermogenic Formula.
5. Waffles: No, we aren’t talking about those huge Belgian waffles topped with syrup, whipped cream and other sugary concoctions. We’re talking about the small whole-grain type you can find in the freezer at your local grocery store. These waffles are convenient and healthy – in moderation. They‘re usually low in calories and contain a number of important nutrients including iron. But as we mentioned earlier, don’t douse them with syrup; use fruits like berries to boost their antioxidant content. Read “Antioxidants and Aging” to find out how antioxidants can help reduce the signs of aging.
6. Yogurt: If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that won’t derail your diet, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better than this nutritional powerhouse. Available in a variety of flavors and sizes, yogurt is a healthy food that’s good any time of the day – not just breakfast. Nevertheless, it’s a staple at many Americans’ breakfast tables. Why? Well, for starters, it contains probiotics, which help promote good digestive health among other things. It’s also a good source of casein protein, a slow-digesting protein that helps feed your muscles throughout the day. Your best bets are plain yogurt – add fruit for flavor – and “light” yogurts. Read “The Top Power Foods for Men” for more healthy meal ideas.
7. Whey Protein Shake: If you’re in a hurry, a whey protein shake can supply the necessary carbs and protein to fuel your body and hold you over until your next meal. Whey protein powders for men tend to be low in calories, so they easily fit into any healthy diet. In addition to whey protein, you should also be taking other men’s sports nutrition supplements such as creatine. If you work out regularly, consider pre-workout and post-workout supplements for men to help you get the most out of each workout session.
8. Multivitamin: OK, this isn’t a food so much as it is a supplement. Regardless, consider one at breakfast every day. A men’s multivitamin may help fill any gaps that your diet may not be covering. Even with the healthiest of breakfasts, there are just some nutrients that you probably aren’t getting. That’s where a multivitamin for men comes in. For more information on vitamins, check out “Men’s Multivitamins 101.”
