Breakfast does a Body Good!

Great article from Nutrition Babes...check it out!  Thanks Lauren & Kathleen!

If you're a B.A.B.E, you always start off your day with breakfast...right!?!?

Topic: Breakfast
Author: Kathleen A. Siegel
2011-09-05 23:23:25

Start your day off right...with Breakfast!

Your mother was right; breakfast is the most important meal of the day!  We all know that nutrition is essential for proper growth and development in children.  And, starting the day with a good breakfast will have additional benefits as well. 

Breakfast promotes better performance

Studies have consistently shown that children who consume a good breakfast can actually enhance their performance on cognitive tests and in school.  Your body and brain need to be fueled to function well and last night's dinner is no longer providing it!  Consuming a complete breakfast will improve one's cognitive function, memory, punctuality and attention.

Breakfast promotes better behavior

Consuming breakfast at home or in school has displayed a decrease in behavior problems.  In elementary schools, studies displayed when children are hungry there is an increase in behavior problems such as hyperactivity, fighting, stealing, having difficulties with teachers and not following rules.

Breakfast promotes a healthier body

US researchers found that when teenagers regularly consumed breakfast, they were more likely to consume a healthier diet, exercise and have a lower BMI compared to the same age children who regularly skipped breakfast.  Studies have already linked skipping breakfast to a higher BMI.

All together, eating breakfast is a habit that promotes a healthier lifestyle.  Jump start your day with breakfast!

What makes a good breakfast?

An egg, slice of whole wheat toast, almond butter, a piece of fruit and a glass of low-fat or skim milk

Whole grain cereal, skim milk, a piece of fruit and yogurt

Whole wheat wrap, egg whites, low-fat cheese and an orange

Low-fat cottage cheese, fruit and a whole wheat English muffin

Whole wheat pancakes, fruit and skim milk

Think protein, fiber and add some color!

Check out some of our breakfast recipes, enjoy!

Banana Pancakes

Fruit and Oatmeal Breakfast Parfait

Grab-and-Go Breakfast Squares

Banana Bread

Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Pie

Frittata

Zucchini Bread Squares

Apple, Cinnamon Walnut Oatmeal

Peach and Banana Ambrosia

A Healthy Treat - Recipe

Ever had a pizzelle?  I've been fortunate that from time to time, one of my Italian-heritage friends have made some & given me a stack.  They are those fun little round, flat, usually anise-flavored cookies that ladies make for special occasions like Christmas.  Usually has a good deal of butter or oil in them.  Well, you know this B.A.B.E just can't do that, so I experimented with my own recipe & even my husband & daughter were won over!  Healthy & tasty; it's a win/win!  Time to share:

Tasty pizzelles..check out our healthy version!

1st step> get a pizzelle maker.  I went on Amazon & ordered one, easy breezy.
Recipe:
1 cup whipped butter
1 cup organic cane sugar
1/4-1/2 cup granulated sugar
5 egg whites
2 Tbsp. vanilla
2.5 cups whole wheat flour
1/8 cup milled flax seed
1/8 cup bread flour (if you don't have this, it's not a deal breaker, just use more whole wheat flour)
3 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Cardamom to taste.  I had never had Cardamom, so I just gave it a good sprinkling until I could smell it.
Sprinkle of Cinnamon (way lighter than the Cardamom)

Follow the directions on your Pizzelle maker & sprinkle with powdered sugar when done (on the wax paper).

After eating & sharing a ton, I froze the rest of my pizzelles in stacks of 6.  My plan is to give them as gifts on those occasions where you just wanna say "I'm thinking of you", or when my belly is saying "I'm hungry".  Whichever.