7 Breakfast Ideas to Kickstart Your Metabolism
The right breakfast can really set you up for success, impacting the rest of the day's food choices and helping with weight loss efforts. Certain high-protein foods are a great way to enjoy a filling breakfast that encourages fat-burning while also tasting fabulous. "After a high-protein breakfast, your blood sugar can remain low for up to four hours," Allegra Picano, RDN, tells Henry Ford Health. "Protein is a very satisfying nutrient. Getting enough of it in your breakfast may help you eat more healthfully the rest of the day." Here are seven breakfast ideas that can help boost metabolism.
Scrambled Eggs
Having eggs for breakfast not only keeps you full for hours but can help boost weight loss, research shows. "Foods rich in protein may be able to increase TEF (thermic effect of food) energy use," Sammie Gill, RD, tells ZOE. "In fact, approximately 20–30% of the energy in protein is used just to digest food, compared with 5–10% in carbohydrates and 0–3% in fats. Also, research shows that protein reduces appetite. This is because when you eat protein-rich foods, they suppress hunger hormones like ghrelin and prompt feelings of fullness."
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Oatmeal
Oatmeal is filling and keeps you satiated thanks to the high-fiber. "If you feel full for longer after eating, it's easier to go from meal to meal without grazing on unhealthy snacks," Beth Czerwony, RD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. "In the end, that cuts down on extra calories you might consume."
Blueberries and Strawberries
Blueberries and strawberries are high in anthocyanins, which help keep weight off. "On average, people who eat more berries seem to live a little bit longer," Eric Rimm, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told the Washington Post.
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Greek Yogurt
Yogurt is full of protein and gut-friendly bacteria. "Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and a great option if you're looking for something quick, filling, and portable," clinical nutritionist Heather Hodson, RDN, CDCES at NYU Langone Health, tells Vogue. "Greek yogurt contains less lactose than regular yogurt due to its production process, so many individuals with lactose sensitivities can actually tolerate it much more easily than other dairy products."
Tofu For Breakfast
Why not try some protein-packed tofu for breakfast? "Protein can help shed pounds," says the Cleveland Clinic. "It takes longer and requires more energy (calorie burn) for your body to break down protein. As a result, you feel fuller for longer, which can help you maintain a healthy weight."
Avocado Toast
Chock-full of healthy fats and fiber, avocado toast is a great way to start the day. "While calorie-rich, avocados do not contain empty calories from added sugars, saturated fats, or alcohol, and are sodium-free," says Lancaster General Health. "Half an avocado is about 114 calories, but compared to other fruits, they still have fewer calories than fatty condiments like mayonnaise, which has 100 calories in one tablespoon!"
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Smoked Salmon
Full of healthy fats and protein, smoked salmon makes breakfast something special while encouraging fat loss (watch out for the sodium content, though). "Though most types of fish and seafood are lean and low in fat, salmon is famous for its higher fat content," Allison P. Lutz, RD, tells UPMC HealthBeat. "It's a top source of omega-3 fats, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fats (also known as fish oil) support heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote optimal brain function."
💪🔥Body Booster: Choose high-protein breakfast options to give your metabolism a boost.
