The 6 Worst Things To Eat For Breakfast

When it comes to breakfast foods, we often hear about what foods are important to eat but not necessarily what we should avoid.

Just as proper breakfast foods can keep us full, energized and focused throughout the day, the wrong foods can leave us tired and sluggish.

Most of us are in a rush in the morning to get ready and get to work, so we opt for convenience over health. But these easy choices might be hindering not only your weight-loss goals, but how you function throughout the day.

If you want to revamp your morning habits, consider ditching these six breakfast foods, which are some of the worst you can consume at the start of your day.

1. Donuts

Sure, they taste so great, but they’re also loaded with refined carbohydrates and sugar and void of any nutrients to get you through the day. To make matters worse, since they are fried, they are high in fat, as well, and not the good kind of fat. These little babies should be saved for dessert.

2. Cereal

Many of us began all our childhood mornings with a bowl of cereal and milk, but it turns out this may be one of our habits it’s time to break. Most cereals are loaded with sugar, even when their labels claim they’re “all-natural” or “whole-grain.”

Beginning your day with cereal can lead to a spike in blood sugar, which will eventually lead to a crash, and we all know how awful that afternoon slump is. If you do choose to buy cereal, look for brands low in sugar and free of other chemicals and additives.

3. Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwichs

A breakfast sandwich sounds like a great idea when you’re on the go, but these combinations are usually loaded with heavy meats and cheese, not to mention white bread.

One study found that students who ate two breakfast sandwiches in the morning — which contained 900 calories and 40 grams of fat — experienced a drop in efficiency in their blood vessel functioning.

4. Bagel And Cream Cheese

Bagels, like donuts, are made with refined carbohydrates, making them a nutrient-deficient choice for breakfast. Although eating carbohydrates in the morning is important for your energy levels and focus, you need to be consuming complex carbohydrates, which provide you with the fiber necessary for these functions.

You can opt for a whole-grain bagel, but be wary of portion size, and if you choose to use cream cheese, do so sparingly: cream cheese is high in saturated fat.

5. Pancakes

Another source of sugar and refined carbs, pancakes are often loaded with other unhealthy toppings such as sweetened chocolate, caramel or fruity syrups.

However, if you’re a fan of the stacks, there are other healthy options available. You can make pancakes from whole grains, almond flour, and even just banana and eggs, and you can opt for toppings such as nuts, berries, or seeds to provide you with nutrients throughout the day.

6. Waffles

Like pancakes, waffles are filled with refined flour, and they are more often than not topped with processed maple syrup that contains high-fructose corn syrup, which can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Lighten up your waffles using a whole-wheat flour batter, and make sure you stick to pure maple syrup that hasn’t been refined or processed.

If you’re not sure what to replace these foods with, consider healthier options such as eggs, avocado, or oatmeal, which can provide you with the sustainable energy you need.