Do you ever wake up tired & groggy? Skipped breakfast and become thrown off all day? Our first meal of the day literally kick-starts the body, choosing the 
right food to fuel your body is very important. We know it is easier said than done but, skipping breakfast will almost always affect your mood for the day setting the tone. Like a car needs fuel, our bodies need energy. Gas is to car as food is to the human body – it’s that simple! Who wants to end up with an empty tank halfway through the day?
Those 15 extra minutes of after clicking the snooze button every morning seem great in the moment, but come 2pm your stomach is rumbling and your energy is in dire need of caffeine, does the extra 15 minutes of sleep actually pay off? Instead, you should take those 15 minutes and make yourself breakfast – your body will thank you. Also make sure protein is somehow always added to your breakfast for that boost of energy. Some quick & easy breakfast ideas can be a bowl of oatmeal, cereal, or a couple of scrambled eggs with a side of fruit. Anytime is a perfect time for a nice fruit smoothie. Incorporate a scoop of protein powder in there and cut your breakfast making time in half! On colder mornings maybe make a nice cup of tea to go with breakfast. According to Health and Wellness from U.S. News, “What you eat or don’t eat for breakfast will have at least a subtle effect by mid-afternoon, and what you’re eating all day will have a huge impact today and down the road.”
Now that you are aware of having breakfast, your morning energy levels are covered… now comes lunch. People have a tendency to go for quick close-by options. What the eyes can see and the nose can smell lead to that impulsive grab, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re grabbing the healthiest option. For instance, for a quick pick-me-up many people get fast food instead of waiting a few extra minutes to have a homemade sandwich or salad prepared for them. Make yourself for something healthier at home before you leave for the day to prevent that mid-day energy crash from fast food. It is sometimes easier to grab fast food, but isn’t an extra 5 minutes worth the time to know you’re doing your body a huge favor? Consuming a healthier lunch leads to a better and more productive day! Stated by Choose My Plate here are some helpful tips to follow when eating out:
-Beverage choice, ask for water and if not then order fat-free or low-fat milk, unsweetened tea, or other drinks without added sugars.
-Ask for whole-wheat bread because white bread is a simple carbohydrate and contains a lot of sugar.
-In a restaurant, start your meal with a salad packed with veggies, to help control hunger and feel satisfied sooner.
-Choose main dishes that include vegetables, such as stir-fry, kabobs, or pasta with tomato sauce.
-Choose a small or medium portion. This includes main dishes, side dishes, and beverages.
-Ask for salad dressing to be served on the side. Then use only as much as you actually need and not how much you want.
What we choose to eat affects our mood and we have a choice to eat smarter and healthier, which provides better energy for the body eventually improving your mood. Never underestimate the power you have in controlling your mood through smarter, healthier eating. Eating more veggies and fruits already physically adds more color to your life.
Sources:
Health and Wellness from U.S News
ChooseMyPlate.gov Health Eating
