Protein for breakfast!
You may not have much of an appetite first thing and I appreciate that some mornings can be stressful with kids to organize as well as getting yourself ready for work, but investing time in eating breakfast is fundamental to losing and controlling weight.
We know from previous studies and articles covered on this website that a bowl of processed cereal is definitely not the way to kick start your day. The cereal almost certainly lacks protein. It is converted into glucose rapidly by the body, and so produces only short-term energy. This will lead to a mid-morning energy slump and in turn you are likely to snack on something unhealthy.
As trainers, we often tell our clients that they need to up their protein intake and this starts with breakfast. But why?
Well, protein is the building block of all food stuff and it will increase your metabolism, stabilize your blood sugar levels throughout the day and enhance your immune system. You will be more mentally alert and focused throughout the day... and most importantly.... you will drop fat, and build muscle!!
What should I eat?
As crazy as it may sound, a meat and nut breakfast is probably the healthiest and most important choice you can make.
According to Charles Poliquin – a world renowned strength and conditioning coach – when people ask him for the best single dietary tip for optimal leanness, energy and sustained mental focus, he invariably tells them to try the rotating meat and nuts breakfast.
Clients ranging from NHL & NFL stars to corporate executives rave about the increased mental acuity and focused energy they derive from this food combination. The meat allows for a slow and steady rise in blood sugar. The nuts provide a great source of healthy smart fats that allow the blood sugar to remain stable for an extended period of time.
Furthermore, multiple studies on employee productivity or on children's attention patterns have demonstrated that a high protein breakfast does not only impact energy and productivity levels of morning till noon, but extends into the late afternoon.
Poliquin recommends you follow a 5 day rotation of the meat and nuts breakfast, but nothing is to be added in terms of food or drink. Tea, coffee or herbal infusions are permissible but milk and juice or other liquids are not allowed.
• Day 1: 1 lean pork steak and a handful of macadamia nuts.
• Day 2: 1 large venison steak and a handful of cashew nuts.
• Day 3: 1 to 2 lean turkey burgers and a handful of almonds.
• Day 4: 2 lean ground beef patties and a handful of brazil nuts.
• Day 5: 2 chicken breasts and a handful of hazelnuts.
What if I have a nut allergy?
If you have a nut allergy, it is recommend you use any of the following fruits with your breakfast: avocados, berries, apples, pears, peaches or apricots. They will not send your blood sugar all over the place. So, if you want to lose weight, obtain optimal leanness, energy and sustained mental focus then you have to start where it counts and that’s meat for breakfast!