oatmeal

Once upon a time, pounds and pounds ago, before I lost a lot of weight – I ate oatmeal for breakfast. But the oatmeal I ate, I think it’s safe to say, wasn’t exactly of the “healthy” variety. Sure, I ate oatmeal because I thought it was good for me, and the oatmeal itself WAS healthy. It was just so covered in toppings that were not healthy that the bowl of oatmeal was more like a gigantic oatmeal cookie. I added cream, brown sugar, butter – the list went on and on.

Oatmeal itself – the plain variety – is indeed very good for you. A half-cup of oatmeal has five grams of protein, 27 grams of carbs, three grams of fat and only 150 calories. Yes, we all know it’s high in fiber and very low in fat, but it can be a bit on the dull side. With just a few small additions – of the healthy choice rather than the high fat and calorie choices – oatmeal can be a delicious and nutritious breakfast option.

Recent studies show that eating breakfast does keep you healthy and slim. According to National Weight Control Registry, individuals who lost 30 or more pounds and kept it off for one year or longer had something in common: they all ate breakfast.

The reason is that breakfast prevents our bodies and minds from crossing over into the dangerous zone of starvation mode. When that kicks in, our bodies don’t metabolize food efficiently and we end up devouring everything in sight. However, picking up breakfast at your favorite java joint or running through the drive-thru may hamper your weight loss efforts and put a dent in your wallet.

Since saving money is on everyone’s minds these days, as well as keeping true to our New Year’s resolutions of healthy eating, weight loss and fitness, here are a list of the top five best breakfast picks that will keep you well-fueled and and on your way to your best you!