Breakfast Ideas!

So many of us depend on coffee caffeine for energy every single day. We do so without ever considering, "Was I made to depend on a drug just to feel normal?"

"Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the methylxanthine class. It is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive drug. Unlike many other psychoactive substances, it is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world." as reported by the World Health Organization. A growing dependence results in negative side effects in a massive numbers of people, including, but not limited to chronic anxiety, sleeplessness and circadian rhythm disruption, chronic lethargy, headaches, dehydration, immune deficiency, and is directly tied to several other serious addictions such as alcohol dependence, sleeping pills, tobacco use, and much more.

WATER WATER WATER!

We need it, I'm sure you've all read my blog on hydration (if not: http://wix.to/WsCjDDc?ref=2_cl). Simply leave a glass of water by your bed and drink it first thing in the morning. Room temperature water doesn't affect the digestion negatively in any way, and helps kickstart all-things-digestion. Water helps the body replicate healthy cells, discard waste and toxins, and invigorates the mind! Remember, you may have been born made of 70%+ water, but not drinking enough water over time reduces that percentage and raises all percentages of inflammation, dried muscle and organs, and free radicals, promoting something called oxidative stress. "Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. The uneven number allows them to easily react with other molecules. Free radicals can cause large chain chemical reactions in your body because they react so easily with other molecules. These reactions are called oxidation." as stated in a 2019 publication by Medical News Today. They can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on the interactions and causes. Antioxidants are molecules that can donate an electron to a free radical without making themselves unstable. This causes the free radical to stabilize and become less reactive. Antioxidants are found most amply in whole, fresh produce, and are communicated throughout the body with a well-hydrated system.

NATURAL CARBOHYDRATES are what is most often missing... well... that and adequate hydration (usually). In a naturally balanced diet, ALL nutrients are acquired during each most opportune time; including antioxidants and fiber. Omega 3's consumed before workouts, protein sources consumed after workouts, beet juice 2 hours before workouts, sodium combined with potassium and magnesium consumed after workouts to restore electrolytes, and consuming naturally occurring carbohydrates in the first meal of each day ALL are examples of ways that a naturally balanced diet offers. First thing in the morning, the average human brain is in a mad search for water and natural carbohydrates to jump start the metabolism.

FIBER:

I believe in fiber, naturally occurring fiber that is, and it is one of the single most productive health nutrients of all. Foods like whole fruit, oats, beans, whole wheat, and vegetables are ALL great sources of fiber. A high fiber diet offers endless health benefits and is great for your body and your digestion. The benefits of fiber can include maintaining HEALTHY blood sugar, aiding in excess and toxic weight loss, and lowering cholesterol. Countless researchers have raved about the positive affect that naturally occurring fiber offers the body; the stuff even helps strengthen the immune system and prevents many cancers.

7 BREAKFASTS FOR 7 DIFFERENT SITUATIONS:

Today I decided to offer a few simple ideas for those who are serious about their health and progress.

Here are 7 general ideas for 7 different kinds of people. Obviously you should consult with your physician about any dietary suggestions you take on, but if you look at this list you'll see exactly how productive this structure is:

FOR CHILDREN who need to reduce their chemical intake and eat healthier overall:

1/2 cup of pineapple, 1/2 cup of watermelon, 1/2 apple sliced with 1/4 cup of almond butter, two scrambled eggs (2 whole eggs, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, seasoning), 2 slices of 100% whole wheat toast,

FOR ADULT ATHLETES who aim to pursue high quality fuel:

1 apple, 6 boiled egg whites (I like sea salt, pepper and smoked paprika on mine), a small bowl of oatmeal (1/2 cup before cooking) with 1/2 sliced banana, 1/4 cup blueberries.

FOR VEGANS who need to maintain healthy bodies with an animal-free diet:

1/2 cup of prepared black beans, 1/2 avocado (sliced), 1 cup of grilled spinach, 1 tablespoon of diced white onion and a couple of tablespoons of salsa, all wrapped up in a 100% whole wheat wrap (warmed), served with and ounce of roasted, salted almonds and a half of an orange.

FOR ADULTS trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight:

1/2 cup of grapes, 1 apple, 1 banana, a small bowl of oatmeal (1/2 cup before cooking), and 4 boiled egg whites (seasoned to taste).

FOR YOUNG ATHLETES who aim to add good lean muscle:

1/2 cup of blueberries, 1 apple, 1 banana, 3 boiled eggs, 4 celery sticks with 1/4 cup of almond butter

FOR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES trying to gain good weight in a productive way:

1 apple, 1 banana, 1 baked sweet potato, 3 boiled eggs, 6-8 grilled shrimp with 1/2 cup (before cooking) of cooked grits (seasoned however you'd like), and 1/2 cup+ of garlic broccoli.

FOR MORE SEASONED ADULTS who just want to get it healthy and get it right:

A bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and as many blueberries as you'd like, 1 boiled egg, 1/2 cup of concord grapes.

If you have more ideas or questions, feel free to add to the discussion!

#iamkalmesewell