Silver and Gold Magazine Fall 2018 | Page 12

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DINNER FOR BREAKFAST ? YOU BETCHA !

– By Jacklyn Fernandez , RHN
There ’ s nothing easier than breakfast for dinner : A couple of eggs , some peameal , and a piece of crispy toast . But what about dinner for breakfast ? It ’ s time we ditched the meal labels and focus on the value of nutrition .
Breakfast is most definitely the most important meal of the day . It ’ s when you “ break ” the “ fast ” from a night of resting your digestive system . When you wake , it ’ s time to fuel your body to have enough energy to get through your day . Many nutritionists and naturopaths suggest having breakfast almost as soon as you wake up , to regulate your blood sugar levels and kick start your digestive system into full gear . This is why it ’ s important to get the day off to a good , healthy , fully nutritional start .
Unfortunately , many typical North American breakfasts aren ’ t the healthiest : Sugary cereals , gluten-filled breads , muffins similar to a slice of cake , are all high in carbohydrates and sugars , which can cause an immediate ‘ high ’ followed by a digestive ‘ crash ’. These types of breakfasts are the main culprit for the early-afternoon ‘ blahs ’ and feeling like you need a nap right after lunch .
Studies indicate that over 30 % of North Americans have cold cereal for breakfast . Have you read the sugar content in most “ single servings ” of cereal ? Yet many will not just consume a single serving ( which is typically 3 / 4 cup of cereal ) but more like three servings per sitting , or a normal bowl size . Eggs continue to be a great choice , and studies have shown it ’ s no longer a cholesterol-building concern as once thought . Everything in moderation !
Breakfast doesn ’ t have to be a large meal , especially if it ’ s full of nutrition . Eating shouldn ’ t leave you feeling full , just satisfied , and no longer hungry . After breaking the fast , your body will absorb every bit of nutrition like a sponge , so it ’ s important to fill it with goodness !
Here are some dinner for breakfast ideas :
Soup – Stay away from cream-based soups , as dairy is not the easiest to digest first-thing . Try whipping up an easy Miso vegetable soup and adding fresh onions , carrots , and bits of kale . Miso soup , popular in Japan , is fermented , which helps populate the digestive system with good bacteria ( pre-biotics ) that strengthen the immune system and help your body process the nutrients you will consume throughout the rest of the day . Leftover stew is another great breakfast idea , as is lentil soup . These two are packed with nutrients such as fibre , fat for proper brain function , and especially when made with home-made bone broth , they may even help with smoother joints and reduce inflammation .

Fish – Often enjoyed in Scotland ( Lox ), the UK ( Kippers ), and popular with campers after a morning fishing trip , fish can load your body up with healthy omega fats , vitamin D for mood , calcium and magnesium absorption , protein , and it is the world ’ s best source of omega-3 fatty acids ( great for body and brain function ). If you ’ re not up to whipping up a quick fish broth and adding veggies , then why not try panfrying a piece of mild fish with leftover rice ? what is miso ?

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji ( the fungus Aspergillus oryzae ) and sometimes rice , barley , or other ingredients . Japanese believe Miso benefits include immune boost , protection against effects of radiation , breast and colon cancer prevention , removal of nicotine and tar in the body – and even in smokers ’ pipes !

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