Unhealthy Eating – A Syndrome or Just Bad Habits?
Before you start reading, I’d like to point out that this is just my opinion. I am a Personal Trainer and Mother, not a nutritionist or dietitian. These are my thoughts and experiences that I have found have worked for me and my clients.
While eating breakfast this morning I came across an article that caught my attention.
The writer starts with this; Memo to mums: Want to stay healthy? Eat breakfast BEFORE your kids.
This is a very good point and I agree with her, eating before the kids means you actually get to eat. This sets you up for the day and avoids bad habits such as snacking on things we should be avoiding. She then goes on to say she is going to propose a new “syndrome” something she sees in her clinic every day. Busy mums diet syndrome! This is where I disagree.
This writer talks about how mothers will often skip breakfast and only have coffee. Then they may or may not have lunch. This is true. From my experience, for many mothers when you do finally get around to eating, it’s 3pm and it’s often whatever you can get your hands on. You might pick at the kids dinner, you may have a glass or two of wine and then your own dinner.
For most mothers, this is their reality when it comes to meal time, and in the article she has hit the nail on the head. I know this because this too was once me.
The writer goes on to explain why this style of eating is not good for you and this is why I agree with her. This kind of eating is where your weight gain and health issues can start. You need to start the day with a good breakfast and this can be quickly achieved without you needing to slave over the oven for hours.
A good breakfast kick starts your body and gives it what it needs to function. You will feel better and you will be able to think better. You may even find you’re less grumpy. You then need to consistently feed yourself throughout the day. Make time for a morning tea snack, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. If you manage to get yourself into a routine you will find you do have time to have breakfast. Your energy levels will improve and so will your general wellbeing.
So you’re probably sitting here reading this and thinking, so what was her issue with the article?
Well it’s the label the writer gave this so called lack of time, organisation and knowledge. She called it a syndrome. She just gave us all an excuse, a reason to keep going the way you are. I think we as mums are very good at making excuses for ourselves and often very valid ones without someone making one more for us. What I want to say to you is, take this information, take this knowledge, sit down and workout how you can start eating breakfast.
Some Healthy Quick Breakfast Ideas
- Yoghurt with fresh fruit and or berries and muesli.
- Toast (one slice) ½ avocado with lemon and pepper or sprinkle with feta. If your still hungry have a piece of fruit.
- Banana pancake, mash banana with a fork, mix in 1 egg and pore in a hot fry pan (with coconut oil). Cook like you would a pancake. Top with coconut, berries and cinnamon.
- Slices of fresh tomato, topped with feta, fresh baby spinach, basil and a little olive oil and pink rock salt. (Have with or without toast, depending on quantities).
- Meat patties, make or bye good quality meat patties. Cook them up and keep in the fridge for breakfast or lunch. You can have this with some cooked mushrooms, spinach etc.
- Smoothies are great. I use Almond milk, though I still add a little Greek yoghurt. Put in whatever you feel like. There are some really nice smoothie combos. Google them. Just watch ones that ask you to add honey. Honey is not bad, but it is a sugar so you don’t want to be having lots in your breakfast.
I tend not to eat a lot of cereal, it not really my thing, but that’s a whole other story. If you want to have cereal, things you need to watch out for are: the sugar content, salt content and additives. Use a desert bowel as they are usually smaller, this will help with portion control. Also full fat milk will help keep you full for longer, so don’t be scared to use it. With your cereal add things like nuts, seeds and fresh fruit. This will fill you up and keep you full for longer.
Finally, breakfast can be left over dinner from the night before. Think outside the box.
I encourage everyone to do their own research and form your own opinion. Education is the key to being successful in your health and fitness.
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