Did you have breakfast this morning? Chances are your answer is no. CBS News says 75% of teens admitted to not eating breakfast daily. Even though breakfast boosts energy and alertness, many cite a lack of time or hunger early in the morning.
I believe that running on an empty stomach can be a cause of the fatigue most teens are plagued with, but on the other hand, there simply isn’t enough time to cook breakfast every day. Some people have early morning sports, clubs, or just need to catch up on sleep. So is there a compromise that could give students the energy they need without wasting time?
One solution could be to think outside the box when it comes to breakfast. Americans see breakfast as eggs and bacon, carbs like toast/waffles/pancakes, types of cereal, and maybe some sort of juice or smoothie.
However, in other countries, such as India, breakfast is less sweet and more savory. In Europe, an average breakfast could be bread and jam. If a breakfast you want is Chinese food leftovers, why not eat that? As long as you know your stomach can handle it, experiment with flavors.
Another solution that can work in tandem with my last idea is pre-preparing food. Overnight oats, refrigerated smoothies, pre-baked muffins, or even microwaveable meals are better than nothing. It’s okay not to drink a sixty-seven-ingredient green juice, as long as what you’re having gives you the energy to take on the day. If you have the time at night, try a new recipe and enjoy your hard work the next day. Your future self will thank you.
The last piece of advice I can give you is to enjoy what you’re eating. If froot loops make you happy, have froot loops every day. Food can be a touchy subject, but your satisfaction and health are the most important thing. Enjoy a solid breakfast and I promise your day will be better.
