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We’ve all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But is it really? Studies throughout the years have shown that eating a balanced breakfast can help with memory, improve cognitive ability, and help increase attention span. Medical professionals advocate for a balanced breakfast, touting its benefits as a better way to meet recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables and getting vitamins and nutrients other foods might not supply.

While most of us are ravenous when we wake up, there are people who are not hungry in the morning. This absence of hunger can be caused by a number of things, but most medical professionals relate it to a sign of excess cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body. Too much cortisol can take a toll on a person’s health: poor sleep habits, chronic fatigue, gaining excess weight in the midsection, being prone to sickness and more. There’s a lot of negative effects linked to excess cortisol.

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Some people might question whether breakfast is necessary, but there are people out there who absolutely need to eat a healthy, balanced breakfast. Children, teenagers, and pregnant women all benefit from eating breakfast, especially when it comes to their bodies and brain functions. Keren Gilbert, MS, RD, founder and president of Decision Nutrition says “According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat breakfast perform better in school…they have better concentration, problem solving skills, and eye-hand coordination.”

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Pregnant women also need to eat a regular breakfast. Both mother and baby need the vitamins and nutrients from a balanced morning meal. For a healthy pregnancy, this is especially important in the first and second trimesters when the fetus develops significantly. Additional research suggests, “during the early stages of development, influences in the fetal environment could trigger genetic changes in order to adapt to life outside the womb”, meaning if the mother isn’t eating enough or getting enough nutrients, the fetus could have some issues down the road. If that’s not a top reason for enjoying a delicious breakfast, I don’t know what is.

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Let’s not beat around the bush – breakfast foods are some of the most delicious foods around. But the majority of people don’t have time for a delicious and nutritious breakfast, especially on work days. Time is a commodity for many of us who work and/or have families. A quick, balanced breakfast can be a thing of miracles, especially when you’re already running late and the only thing around is a cup of coffee. But don’t fret! Here are four quick meals for busy mornings:

Waffles with Nut Butter and Bananas

The Slender Student

Who doesn’t love waffles, bananas and nut butter? Perfect for those mornings when you only have enough time to use the toaster.

Scrambled Eggs with Cheese in the Microwave

Eat Fresh

Eggs are a protein powerhouse. When time is not in your favor, use your microwave to cook eggs and other items faster than on the stove top.

Black Bean Breakfast Burrito

Foodorama

Burritos are not only portable, they can be made ahead of time and reheated for travel or once you’ve arrived at your destination. Did I mention they’re delicious too?

Green Smoothie

Inspired Taste

It seems like everyone is making smoothies today, and they should because they’re easy, delicious, and perfect when you have to run out the door.

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Do you like breakfast? Do you take time to eat when you’re in a hurry? What are some of your most favorite quick and easy breakfast recipes?

Additional images: Clemens v Vogelsand / Flickr

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