We've heard time and time again that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Skipping this meal can set you up for failure and lead to unhealthy choices, but going for the wrong food in the morning can be just as detrimental for your body. Being in a rush is one of the main reasons we make bad decisions, but even if you prepare your breakfast in advance, you need be mindful of the ingredients you use. One of the most popular options when you are on the go are bananas, but surprisingly, they can do more harm than good if you eat them on their own.
More from MamásLatinas: 40 Breakfast smoothies to get your morning going
Bananas are usually lauded for being an excellent source of potassium, antioxidants, and fiber. But Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a celebrity nutritionist and creator of the Alkamind diet, told Byrdie that the fruit should be avoided in the morning because "they're 25% sugar and moderately acidic." This can make energy levels spike, then crash, which is the last thing you want when you are trying to be productive at the beginning of your day. You can still eat bananas, but you need to have them with something that will counteract the negative effects of the sugar and neutralize the acidity. Gioffre recommends "raw almond or coconut butter, chia, hemp, flax, coconut oil, cinnamon and turmeric," to get the job done.
But bananas aren't the only bad guys. There are plenty of other go-to breakfast items that can make you start the day off on the wrong foot. From granola bars to yogurt, here are the foods that you need to think twice about before having them in the morning.
Yogurt can be deceiving.
It is loaded with protein but artificially flavored yogurts can have too much sugar. Go for a healthy, plain variety with probiotics that are good for your stomach. However, you will also need to eat something like a bowl of oats to keep you fuller longer. A small cup of yogurt isn't enough to leave you completely satisfied.
Some granola bars are wolves in sheep's clothing.
Most granola bars are high in sugar, low in fiber, and have little to no protein. Read nutrition labels carefully or make your own before choosing this quick fix.
All oatmeals aren't created equal.
Instant oatmeal can be full of unhealthy additives that can affect your blood sugar levels. Stick to steel-cut oats or rolled oats to take advantage of the high fiber content of this staple breakfast food. They take longer to cook, but a quick and delicious overnight oats recipe won't make you miss the instant stuff.
Don't believe everything you read on a cereal box.
Even options that claim to have whole grains also include unhealthy refined carbs, are full of sugar, and contain artificial ingredients. Look closely at the nutritional facts and ingredients list before adding cereal to your morning rotation.
Avoid fruit juices.
Even natural options are too high in sugar and can have a negative effect on your insulin levels.
Mangoes and pineapples are high in sugar and carbohydrates.
That is not an ideal combination in the morning. Eat them in moderation if you are trying to lose weight.
Traditional pancakes are a no-go.
They are made with refined flour and are usually accompanied by syrups that are loaded with sugar, which won't do your body any favors.
Waffles are just as unhealthy.
They are made with the same ingredients as pancakes and are often paired with the same sugary toppings. Boxed options are even worse, since they contain preservatives.
Avoid processed carbs altogether.
Trade white bread, biscuits, and bagels for whole-grain alternatives that won't have a negative impact on your blood sugar levels.
Coffee isn't a substitute for breakfast.
Black coffee can give you energy, but it will not keep you full until your next meal, setting you up for bigger mistakes throughout the day. Make it part of your breakfast, not all of it.
Skip packaged smoothies.
Many options that you can buy at the grocery store are loaded with sugar and high in fat. Read labels carefully before you buy or make your own at home.
Say bye to muffins.
They are calorie bombs that can throw off your entire day and can be full of, you guessed it, sugar. Treat them like dessert and enjoy them in moderation.
Scones are in the same boat with muffins.
Pairing them with a fruit jam increases the calorie count of this sugary breakfast pastry.
Donuts are also a giant waste of calories.
The combination of refined carbs, sugar, and oil put this option at the bottom of the list of healthy breakfast options.
Bacon and sausage can be detrimental.
The processed meats can contain harmful chemicals and have been linked to heart disease and high blood pressure.
