You know what they say: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And rightfully so, considering its wide variety of benefits, especially for older adults. Having a nutritious breakfast allows us to start the day right by providing our bodies with the right vitamins and minerals, alongside replenishing our energy levels, boosting cognitive function, enhancing the immune system, and many more. If you aren’t sure of what are the right foods to consume, no need to fret as you have come to the right place! In this article, we’ll provide some breakfast ideas for you that are not only tasty and nutritious but also relatively quick and easy to prepare.
Oatmeal Porridge
Oatmeal is regarded as one of the best natural superfoods out there as it is a 100% whole grain with minimal to no processing, not to mention it is a high source of vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Many studies have shown that consuming oatmeal helps manage cholesterol levels, balance blood sugar control, and improve weight. In order to maximize its health benefits, we recommend replacing sugar with honey, fresh fruits, or nut butter.
Eggs
What’s fantastic about eggs is their versatility. Whether you prefer having them hard-boiled, soft-boiled, sunny-side-up, over-easy, scrambled, or whichever way, they are delicious and can spice up any meal. Eggs are a great source of nutrients that support good heart health, eye health, and are one of the few foods rich in vitamin D, which is produced when our bodies are exposed to sunlight. Eggs are also recommended for loved ones looking to better manage their weight. However, eating too many eggs can result in side effects such as a rise in cholesterol levels, a bloated stomach, and an increased risk of diabetes. As such, older adults should only consume a maximum of three eggs per day.
Yogurt
Many people would have already known that yogurt helps enhance the gut microbiota due to it containing probiotics, or otherwise called live culture. Yogurt is also rich in proteins, vitamins, and calcium, which builds strong bones, and keeps the heart and muscles strong. While sweetened, processed yogurt is full of artificial sugars and preservatives, natural greek yogurt is a much healthier option as it is low-fat and a great source of protein that aids in weight management. This is why greek yogurt is commonly featured in diets meant for weight loss. To zest it up, you can add fresh fruits such as citrus fruits and berries, nuts, seeds, oats, and granola.
Smoothies and Fresh Juices
This is a good breakfast alternative if you are not feeling like eating breakfast or do not have the time to whip a meal up or consume it. Smoothies and fresh juices are incredibly easy to make and pretty much take no time at all. From green juices blended with spinach and kale to citrus juices, there are many combinations of fruits and vegetables you can explore and find your favorite blends.