Is it true what the experts say? "Breakfast is the most important meal
of your day"? The answer is yes, absolutely! Studies have shown that
diets that include a large breakfast result in a significantly greater fat
loss than diets that avoid it!
Many people think that if you skip meals especially breakfast it will help
you to shed those extra pounds. The fact is that by not eating breakfast
it may not only leave you feeling tired and exhausted early on in the day
it may also result in a vital loss of muscle and a subsequent decrease
in your metabolism. Since your metabolic rate is the fastest in the
morning and slows down throughout the day it makes perfect sense
then that the calories you eat for breakfast will be then used by your
body and not stored as fat.
After all, how can you expect to perform your absolute best on an empty
stomach? You can't! Think of eating healthy well-balanced meals as if
you're fueling your car. If you do not stop periodically to refuel your car it
can not perform and the better the quality of fuel you provide the better
the performance will be, right? Well, the same goes for your body. The
big question to ask your self here is, do you think of your self as a
Ferrari or as a Yugo?
It's an old cliche but it is true, "you are what you eat". Therefore,
whatever you put into your body is the fuel that will energize you both
mentally and physically each day. So, take the time to plan your daily
meals and to eat a healthy high-energy breakfast. By doing so you will
most likely determine the type of day you will have.
Furthermore, if you find yourself exhausted early on in the day and
you're not getting the results you would like then the chances are you
are listening to too many advertisements on quick weight-loss
schemes depriving yourself of proper nutrition. Start by listening to your
body, educating yourself on proper nutrition and planning
well-balanced meals. Remember that each day is a new day with a
new beginning. Treat your self like a Ferrari and get the most out of
your life, you deserve it!
The following is a delicious, nutritious and high-energy breakfast
recipe to start that perfect day!
Oatmeal Protein Pancakes with Apples and Blueberries
Ingredients needed for pancakes:
1 cup peeled, sliced and cooked Granny Smith apples
1 cup blueberries
2 egg whites
3/4 cup Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal
1/2 cup multi-grain pancake mix
2 scoops Vanilla Whey Protein Mix
2 Tablespoons vanilla or plain non-fat yogurt
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cold water
Nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients needed for topping:
Strawberries
Blueberries
Bananas
Kiwis
Pineapple
Non-fat Vanilla or Plain Yogurt
Cinnamon
1. Prepare the filling; wash, peel, decor and slice apples into small pieces. Place apples in a small bowl and microwave on high for two
minutes. Rinse blueberries well and set aside. Beat egg whites and
set aside.
2. Prepare the batter; in a large bowl combine oatmeal, pancake mix,
vanilla whey protein mix, yogurt, cinnamon and vanilla extract.
Gradually stir in egg whites, apples and water, mixing until a thick
consistency, (spatula should stand upright in batter.) If batter is too
thick, add a little more H2O; if too thin, add a little more oatmeal. Gently
fold in blueberries.
3. Preheat non-stick sprayed large skillet on stovetop over medium
heat; place two to four large spoonfuls of batter in heated skillet.
Pancakes should be approximately three to four inches in diameter.
Check pancakes in a few minutes by sliding spatula under and
looking for desired browness. Flip and repeat to other side.
4. To Serve; top pancakes with your favorite fruit and sprinkle with
cinnamon. These pancakes are excellent served with honey or maple
syrup or even with peanut butter or your favorite yogurt. Makes 4-6
pancakes. Enjoy and stay healthy!
* Pancakes are great if you are on the go. Try doubling up the batter
and preparing enough that will last you a few days then wrap up the
leftovers, they will hold up great in refrigerator. When you find your self
in a hurry, just pop one in the microwave for 30 seconds, top with
peanut butter or jelly and out the door you go! Makes a great early
afternoon snack too! High energy!
Danielle's love for cooking is continually inspired by her father,
renowned chef, Charles Drewett, CEC.
danielle@fitandbeyond.com
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