1. Lots of Sugar – It is easy to go for the “wake me up” foods during the morning rush. A quick bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee is a popular combination for busy mornings, both parents and children alike (minus the coffee, of course). However, between the cereals, instant oatmeals, coffee, pastry tarts, bagels, and donuts….it all adds up to one ingredient: sugar. Not just the powdery kind, but sugar is also found in processed foods and grains. As the body breaks down the sugar, it gives you an adrenaline rush. As the body seeks to balance itself a few hours later, you become lethargic. Any excess sugar that is not absorbed turns into fat. THE ALTERNATIVE: Eat whole grains and cereals with fruit to sweeten it up. Limit the sugar you use in your coffee, or just drink one cup. Need more sugar? Add honey to your coffee.
2. Instant Meals – It goes without saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Anything that may be zapped in the microwave in a few minutes does not quite fit the bill. Unfortunately, convenience foods are packed with additives and preservatives that make it harder than usual for your body to digest. Rather than bringing down your metabolism, the role of breakfast is to rev it up so you can go through your day at optimum performance. THE ALTERNATIVE: Focus on fresh produce and dairy in the morning. A cup of tea, a bowl of fruit, yogurt, and granola needs no cooking time at all.
3. Meat – We all love to make omelets, and it usually includes adding in our favorite deli meats, such as turkey, ham, and sausage. Unfortunately, the vegetarians have the win here. Our digestive systems are not fully equipped to digest meat. It takes extra energy for the body to produce enough enzymes to break down the meat, more than it does fruits, vegetables, and grains. Again, our metabolism only needs help in the morning, not problems. THE ALTERNATIVE: Instead of having bacon as a side, try a vegetable. Slice some avocado, or mash it up with some oil and salt for a quick guacamole.
4. Salt – Yes, it is necessary. But use sparingly. Salt absorbs water and liquid from our bodies, and after sleeping for the night, our bodies are already in need of deep hydration. If you stick to the 8-glasses-a-day rule, at least two of them should be had before you leave the house. THE ALTERNATIVE: Take a tip from Ayurveda: Upon waking, drink a tall glass of lukewarm water with a slice of lemon. The water helps to restart your metabolism, waking you up naturally, while the lemon helps to flush out any toxins your body may have absorbed during the night. No wonder popular diets always include this little trick.
5. Ice – Nobody wants to be woken up with a bucket of ice thrown on them. Neither does your body. In today’s fast-paced world, iced coffee and cold smoothies are perfect for on-the-go workers. However, when the ice-cold temperatures hit our warm bodies, it constricts blood vessels and can cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue. In the morning, our bodies need to slowly transition to our workday routine. THE ALTERNATIVE: Instead of ice, use ingredients from the refrigerator. It is cold enough for your body without shocking it awake. Make coffee the night before and place it in the refrigerator, or use cold milk instead of ice to make your smoothie.
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