What Makes a Nutritious Breakfast?

• Whole grains.

  Whole grain breads and low-sugar, high-fiber cereals are the types of foods that can be included as part of a nutritious breakfast. Try a slice of multi-grain toast, with a serving of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Original Spread® as a delicious way to make a good choice even better by adding the important fats your body needs every day.
  Next to consider is how long you'll be working out. For exercise lasting an hour or less — an aerobics class or a quick run, for instance — eat lightly and focus on carbs: toast with fruit spread, cereal, fruit are all good choices. Skip fried and fatty foods and big portions of protein, all of which take hours to digest.
  If you'll be working out for longer than an hour, make sure you've eaten a larger balanced meal earlier with protein, complex carbs, etc. Egg whites and lean turkey bacon are fine choices.

  Fruits and vegetables.

  It's difficult to get your daily allowance of fiber and essential nutrients if you don't eat breakfast. Fruits and veggies pack a powerful fiber punch and important essential nutrients — add berries (fresh or frozen) to a smoothie or a bowl of whole grain cereal. Or, try adding veggies like broccoli, spinach, asparagus, or zucchini to an egg white omelet.

  Low-fat dairy.

  Start your day with a cup of fat-free milk, low-fat yogurt, or cottage cheese and half a melon. You could also make a yummy protein smoothie in the blender, with fat-free milk, some ice, and your favorite fruit.

  Protein.

  Incorporating protein into your breakfast keeps you feeling fuller longer, which means that you'll eat smarter throughout the day and won't reach for calorie-laden snacks. Scramble some egg whites or spread some whole wheat toast with peanut butter and keep your hunger at bay.