It’s 7:25 a.m. and the alarm goes off for the fifth time. There really is no time to waste. Since class starts at 8 a.m., hygiene takes priority. Then, despite a grumbling stomach, perfecting appearance follows. The single spare minute before bolting out the door is dedicated to posting “sooo hungry” as the latest Facebook status.
According to a study conducted by the Michigan State Department of Food and Human Nutrition, 22 percent of college students skip breakfast. In another study, the School of Public Health at University of California, Berkeley concluded that people who eat a healthy breakfast tend to have a lower body mass index rating than people who eat an unhealthy breakfast or skip breakfast.
Despite its importance, breakfast often gets lost in busy morning routines. There are many quick breakfast options but careful navigation is essential to find the healthiest.
Sometimes during the morning rush, there is not a lot of time to sit down and eat a solid breakfast, therefore most people turn to a liquid breakfast that acts as a fast appetite suppressant.
Energy drinks are one of the most unhealthy morning options. Not only do the drinks negatively affect the body through dehydration and increased blood pressure, they also offer no nutritional benefits.
Instead, make it count by trying healthy breakfast beverages such as milk and orange juice, which are great sources of calcium and vitamin C, respectively.
A third, though more expensive option, is V8 Fusion. V8 Fusion is made of a combination of 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices but tastes like fruit juice. Drinks can be transported in a reusable water bottle if their original containers are too large.
While the listed drinks are healthy, more substance is needed to constitute a complete meal. Carnation and Slim Fast sell bottled shakes that offer both protein and vitamins and are low in fat. Slim Fast also produces multiple flavors of bars which are intended for meal replacement.
Nutrition information on breakfast bars and pastries should be examined carefully before purchase. For example, blueberry flavored Pop Tarts don’t seem particularly offensive but one package (two servings) contains 420 calories, 12 grams of fat (six of which are saturated)and 32 grams of sugar.
Great breakfast bars should be low in trans and saturated fats, as well as sugar. Look for bars with whole grains and sufficient protein. A breakfast bar coupled with a piece of fruit can make up a quick and filling meal.
Whole grain toast is a good option for those looking for a warm breakfast. Another healthy option is Jimmy Dean D-Lights, which are made with egg whites, wheat muffins and low-fat meat.
Despite the rush, it is best to start the day right with breakfast.
