Planning your breakfast

We all know about the common saying ‘Breakfast like a king, lunch like a common man, and dinner like a pauper!’ but have you ever wondered why? We do not eat anything through the night, that is, we fast all night. In the morning, we need to break this fast with nutritious and energy-packed food. Breakfast is like fuel for our body and mind. Having a good sumptuous breakfast can keep you cheerful, energetic and attentive all day long. It can also help you manage your weight better, because breakfast kick-starts your metabolism the right way and avoids binging on calorie-laden snacks in the mid-morning. In short, breakfast makes you beautiful inside and out.

Here are some facts about Breakfast....

• Breakfast must be had within two hours of waking up.
• The breakfast should be rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, protein, B-vitamin and fiber.  So always try to include lot of vegetables, fruits and nuts in the breakfast
• If you plan to take 5 cups of fruits and vegetables in a day,  try to include at least one cup in your breakfast
• Those who take breakfast regularly are more likely to be in the ideal weight range as their metabolism is better.  So those who want to control weight should never skip breakfast.
• The breakfast provides brain with glucose at the right time.  Those who take breakfast regularly have good memory power and concentration.  They also lead happier stress-free life.

Now let us see how to plan your breakfast....

•  Plan your breakfast menu for the whole week in the weekend itself so that you can finish your shopping at one go. This will also give you enough time to prepare batters, masalas, etc.
• At least make sure you decide the previous evening, so that you can do the soaking, grinding and other preparations earlier.
•  Choose items that you and your family will enjoy having, so that your day will start on a cheerful mood.
• Ensure a good variety. You will get bored if you have the same cereals, idlis or parathas every day. So pick flavourful breakfasts from different cuisines, so there is a delightful surprise on the table each morning.
• Try to have breakfast together, so that the family gets some time to bond before diving headlong into the busy day.
• If any of you have to leave early, plan to make breakfasts that can be had on-the-go or packed in a tiffin dabba, so that they can still have their breakfast on time. No compromise!
• On oh-so-busy days, work in at least a milkshake or a smoothie to make sure you do not step out on an empty stomach.