Food is Fuel – Are You Starting Your Day on Empty?

Have you ever ran out the door in the morning in a hurry to get somewhere and then ran out of gas before you got to your destination?  Not a good way to start the day.  When the car starts jerking and sputtering as it’s using up every last ounce of gas it’s almost like it’s telling you, “I’ve given you everything I’ve got, I can’t run on empty, I NEED FUEL and I’m not moving until I get some.” Our bodies talk to us in much the same way.  If we don’t take the time in the morning to “fuel up” we’ll start feeling tired and sluggish with no energy and we too will run out of gas.  WE NEED FUEL every day to operate efficiently, with the energy it takes to do all the things we need to do in the course of a day.  The kind of fuel we use however does make a difference.  If we put soda pop or glue in the gas tank of our car the damage would be costly, maybe even beyond repair, no one would do that.  Yet, many people don’t think twice about what they’re putting in their own tank, maybe grabbing coffee and a donut as they run out the door, or buying some processed snack food from a vending machine mid-morning because they didn’t take time to eat.

Like our cars, our bodies need the “right” fuel for optimal performance.  If we start our day on an empty tank or constantly put in the wrong fuel, we can be doing more harm than good and eventually we will need repairs.  So what is the “right” fuel?  Well, we’re all different, so the “right” fuel can be different for each of us.  However, in the often confusing and complex world of nutrition the basics are simple.  Most people would be better off consuming less meat, milk, sugar, and chemically processed, artificial junk “food”.  Start consuming more water, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens.  So, for a healthy and nutritious breakfast to start your day with the “right” fuel, here are a few simple ideas:

• Oatmeal – a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, enhances the immune system, has a low glycemic load with anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. Add some fresh berries for even more power packed nutrition and forget instant, the less processing the better.
• Eggs – can be prepared MANY ways, are one of the best sources of protein and loaded with vitamins. Veggie eggs are super simple and full of nutrients – sauté a mix of your favorite veggies in a pan, scramble 2-3 eggs and add to veggie mixture, season as desired and enjoy!
• Protein shake – choose protein powders wisely, READ THE LABEL! For a super easy on-the-go meal, blend with fresh or frozen fruit and leafy greens to pack a nutritious punch to the start of your day!

Fuel your body like your life depends on it, because it does!

Happy Better Breakfast Month!

Susan Kimmel, H.C.
Health Coach
Live Your Life ^TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Susan Kimmel, H.C. is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Toxic-Free Living Specialist. Susan has over 25 years of corporate and non-profit HR training and development experience. She was an adjunct faculty member at Concordia University in the accelerated degree program. She has an extensive background in development and delivery of training programs, small and large group facilitation, individual and group coaching, and public speaking. “When you invest in the health of your people, EVERYONE WINS!”