1. Sausages
Sausages are probably one of the most popular breakfast foods in America, besides pancakes, eggs, and hash brown potatoes. Many people eat it, but it’s really not the healthiest option out there. According to nutritionists, sausages are made out of ground meats, fat, spices, flavorings, and binders.
They’re usually very high in calories and in saturated fat (foods that contain a lot of saturated fat are more likely to raise your bad LDL cholesterol), and high in sodium (this might raise your blood pressure, which is not good for your health). Moreover, sausages and other processed meats have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and chronic illnesses, and you surely don’t want that.
Why not choose a high-protein alternative, such as eggs, Greek yogurt, or nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter) in the morning instead of sausages?
2. Toaster Pastries
You might like eating a Pop-Tart for breakfast, but before you open the packaging, read these paragraphs because they are important! Toaster pastries are typically made from refined grains and don’t have a lot of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
In order to compensate for the lack of nutrients and give them a flavorful taste at the same time, they are loaded with sugar. They’re low in protein, and they will only make your body crave more of it. This means that you’ll keep eating treats like these, but your body won’t receive any of the vitamins it needs. Basically, you consume empty calories.
If you crave something sweet for breakfast, here’s a healthy alternative for you to try: toast a piece of whole wheat bread, add a tbsp of your favorite nut butter, top it with fruit slices, such as banana slices and berries, and add a sprinkle of healthy seeds, such as chia or flax seeds. This food will not only taste delicious, but it will also nourish your body with healthy fats, carbs, protein, vitamins, and fiber!
3. Fat-free Flavored Yogurt
According to several nutritionists, plain yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, is a fantastic option for breakfast because it is high in calcium, healthy fats, and protein.
Try to stay away from fat-free versions, as they might contain as much, if not more, sugar than a same-sized serving of ice cream. Fat is an important ingredient in yogurt, and when it’s removed, the end result doesn’t have a good taste. This is exactly why many fat-free yogurts compensate by containing a lot of extra sugar and artificial flavors.
Here’s a food recipe you’ll love: get a cup of Greek yogurt, add a tablespoon of nut butter, and mix well until you have a consistency that is similar to a dip. Then add your favorite fruits and a tsp of chia seeds. And if you want it even sweeter, you can add 1 tsp of honey. It’s delicious!
4. Bagels
This isn’t food that will give you energy! Even though they are delicious, bagels are high in simple carbs, which only keep you full for a short time before making you feel sluggish and hungry again.
If you want to reduce the amount of bread you consume, bagels are not your friend. Trust us! They are dense and similar to 5–7 slices of bread, and what you generally put on them is rich in saturated fat, which can cause high cholesterol and clogged arteries.