Breakfast is far from a foreign concept. We have seen the commercials, have taken mid-morning pit-stops at Starbucks, and have trailed down the breakfast food aisles at the grocery store plenty of times. Breakfast looks very different for different people, however, many would proclaim that it is the most important meal of the day.
While this statement has some truth, it may be misleading. Breakfast is incredibly important, but this meal doesn’t have to happen right when you wake up! For some, hunger strikes alongside the alarm clock. For others, it may be 10 or 11 in the morning by the time that breakfast is on the table- and that is just fine! The word breakfast literally segments into two words: break and fast, which simply alludes to the meal that breaks our overnight fast. While fasting can be a very intentional action, it is also very natural. From the time that we put the last piece of food in our mouths at the end of the day to the first time we eat in the morning, we are fasting. Depending on our eating and sleeping patterns, this can be anywhere from 8 to 16 hours!
So, the question shouldn’t be “When should I eat breakfast?,” rather, the question should be “What should I eat to break my fast?”
While many foods can serve as nutritious, well-rounded meals, kickstarting a period of eating (breakfast) with raw fruits, vegetables, and protein will give your body and mind the energy to move forward in your day! One of the most efficient ways to do this is to begin your day with a protein-packed smoothie!
Check out the recipe below and start your day off right, whether you are eating breakfast as the sun rises or in the middle of your day!
Chocolate Protein & Cauliflower Smoothie
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 teaspoons almond or peanut butter
- 1 scoop chocolate whey or vegan protein powder
- ½ cup frozen cauliflower rice
- 1 cup plant milk of choice
- 2 leaves fresh mint (optional)
- Cacao nibs to garnish (optional)