How to have a nutritious breakfast when you're time poor
Busy mornings can be a tough - trying to get yourself out the door whilst fitting in the gym and managing all the other daily tasks that need to be finished yesterday.
Unfortunately, in the midst of frantic schedules, breakfast is one of those things that is regularly neglected when time is tight with 25 per cent of Aussies admitting to skipping breakfast at least once a week, according to recent research.
Of those that miss breakfast, 41 per cent claim it’s because they’re time poor. Breakfast skippers may find there’s a knock-on effect on energy levels for the rest of the day, which doesn’t help their productivity. This frequently results in bad nutritional choices, with 17 percent admitting to buying nutritionally inferior junk food on the way to work instead.
Here are some simple on-the-go nutrition tips from dietitian Susie Burrell that can help you get out that door on-time, without skipping one the most important meals.
Tip 1: Find nutritious breakfast options that require little prep time
There are a number of breakfast options you can try that saves you time in the morning and don’t require a lot of prep time. Having a simple smoothie is an easy solution, making sure you have breakfast and are still getting the nutrients you need. It is a simple as blitzing up a few pieces of fruit and off you go! Another great quick and easy option when you’re stuck for time is something you can eat on-the-go like the new UNCLE TOBYS breakfast bake. They are a source of fibre, wholegrain and protein, and are a wholesome and portable breakfast you can eat when you’re having a busy morning.
Tip 2: Pre-prep for the week ahead!
Planning your meals in advance is always the easiest option when you don’t have a lot of time in the morning to enjoy the luxury of a sit-down wholesome breakfast. To ensure that you’re adequately fuelled to start the day - pre-make your meals or prep your ingredients the night before, this can really help buy you some time in the mornings to make sure you’re getting the right nutrients and energy you need.
Meal prepping for the first few days of the week will give you motivation to keep to your nutrition and health goals, taking the time pressure off you at every meal and allowing you to focus on the activities you’d rather be doing. Quick and easy breakfast prep can include a frittata with healthy veggies that you can keep in the fridge and can stretch over a few days/meals.
Tip 3: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
If you’re sometimes too time poor and skip breakfast – don’t beat yourself up and let this ruin your daily nutrition goals or long-term diet plans. Sometimes life gets in the way – myself included, so try your best to get back on track when you have more time to focus on having a balanced and nutritious meal at lunch and dinner. As long as you have something for breakfast, it is better than going without – try to pick something relatively healthy rather than picking something that is nutritionally inferior.
This story originally appeared on Men's Health
