Why Eat Breakfast?

Let me start with a confession, I did not do any exercise yesterday. There. That's done. If I am to be successful in "losing my double chin", I have to get some physical activity into my day. So, since this is a new day - I'll start with a fresh slate. Never give up. Each day is a new opportunity to reach for your goals!

Now, on to my real topic for today - Breakfast. I struggle with breakfast. It's so easy for me to skip this most important meal, or to eat something that has me ravenous by 10am. I'm trying really hard to make breakfast a habit - and a healthy one at that. But, honestly, it's been difficult. So what do I do? First, I've found that a good oatbran muffin or a bowl of hot oatmeal satisfies me for several hours, even an egg and a piece of toast will do that. However, a blueberry muffin, bowl of cereal or a cinnamon roll has me starving in a couple hours. I'm not an expert, but I think the sugar content has something to do with that. (Side note: Pop Tarts are a horrendous "breakfast" food - they are made entirely of sugar!) It helps that I have to make breakfast for my daughter, however, I will admit that in the past she's gotten some pretty un-breakfasty foods...that's all I'll say about that. Except that I am changing my ways!

Why is breakfast so important? It's like your body's alarm clock - it wakes it up and gets it going for the day. If you eat a nutritious breakfast, you will be less likely to crave fattening snacks throughout the day. Also, did you know that if you skip a meal during the day - you will be much more likely to overeat at some point that day? That reason is enough for me! And I think it's played a major part in my weight gain the past 10 years.

What do you eat for breakfast? Do you struggle like me? I'd love to hear from you!

Here's my Oat Bran Muffin recipe:

4 cups oat bran
1/2 cup flour
2/3 cup dry powdered milk
1/2 cup unrefined or raw sugar
2 Tablespoons baking powder
2 cups dried fruit (I love Craisins!)
1-1/2 cups milk or water

Fill the muffin cups, these do not rise very much at all. Makes 6 jumbo or 12 regular muffins.
Bake at 350
18-21 minutes for regular muffins or 25-30 minutes for jumbo
These keep best in the refrigerator.
Delicious for breakfast and very filling. Enjoy!