Three Ways to Kick Start Your Day the Healthy Way

After waking up from a good night’s sleep, most people resort to a cup of coffee and scrolling on social media. While these modern “rituals” make you feel good at the moment, if you practice them regularly, you’re at risk of compromising your physical and mental well-being.

Starting your morning with healthy habits will set the tone for the rest of the day by boosting your mood and energy levels. This doesn’t mean that you have to drink tasteless shakes or have difficult and lengthy exercise routines. Below are three suggestions for healthy morning habits that will help you feel healthier and happier.

Healthy Breakfast

There is a good reason why people refer to breakfast as “the most essential meal of the day.” Breakfast breaks the overnight fast. It offers crucial nutrients that your body needs for optimal health while replenishing your supply of glucose to increase your energy and alertness.

Breakfast has been proven in several studies to have positive health effects. In the short term, it boosts your energy and concentration, while in the long run, it helps you better control your weight and lower your chances of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

That being said, choosing healthy and nutrient-rich foods for breakfast is equally important. My favourite thing to have for breakfast is nutritious breakfast cereal with vitamins and minerals. These cereals are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and low in sugar. There is something for everyone’s taste, whether you’re a fan of plain rice puffs, rolled oats, muesli mixes with fruits or chocolate flavours.

Having a quick bowl of natural cereal is one of the simplest ways to refuel in the morning. Especially when you’re in a hurry. What I usually do is add rice puffs, berries, and banana slices to my bowl and cover them with almond milk – a breakfast that’s ready in five minutes!

For those that are new to healthy eating – here are some of the health advantages that healthy cereals have to offer.

What are the Health Benefits of Oat Flakes?

As health trends come and go, a lot of foods go in and out of style – but not oats! For years, this morning staple has been a powerhouse of healthy grains that delivers essential nutrients and enjoyable taste. It’s one of the few comfort foods that are equally delicious and healthy.

Plain rolled oats or steel-cut oats are the base of great oatmeal. Start by boiling them in a small amount of water or milk and then top them off with your favourite fruits. Here is how oatmeal might benefit your health:

• It lowers cholesterol;
• It lowers blood sugar levels;
• It provides antioxidants;
• It relieves constipation;
• It promotes healthy gut bacteria.

What are the Health Benefits of Rice Puffs?

Although not as popular as oat flakes, puffed rice is another nutritious breakfast cereal that offers a variety of health benefits:

• It promotes digestion;
• It normalises blood pressure;
• It boosts immunity;
• It provides antioxidants.

Supplements

It’s difficult to get all the essential vitamins and minerals solely through food. While dietary supplements can’t replace a balanced diet, when taken properly they supply you with enough essential nutrients. For this reason, a growing number of people consume supplements on a daily basis.

However, health supplements offer different levels of effectiveness when taken at different times of the day. Multivitamins are most potent when you take them earlier in the day. B vitamins highly stimulate your metabolism and brain function, which might prevent you from having a relaxing night before bed.

Professionals also state that it isn’t a good idea to take dietary supplements at night. The reason behind this is that taking your vitamin supplement late at night will result in inefficient absorption because your digestion is slowed down.

Even though the morning is generally best, it’s generally good to take your multivitamins at the same time every day. Placing the supplement bottles beside your coffee maker on the kitchen counter will help you remember them when you go to get your daily cup. Alternatively, if you prefer to take your vitamins at lunch, put them in your bag or case so you’ll remember to do so.

Get Active!

It’s challenging to find the drive to go to the gym or go for a run, especially in the morning. However, increasing your endorphin levels by exercising first thing in the morning will quickly lift your spirits. You won’t need to use energy later in the day to hop on the treadmill if you complete your workout in the morning. Many successful people begin each morning with a wholesome exercise program.

Your morning exercise doesn’t need to be difficult or lengthy. Of course, HIIT isn’t necessary for a successful morning workout. Taking up trail running or yoga are great options to keep things on the milder side.

Heavy strength work early thing in the morning is the one activity many advise against. This is due to the fact that you have less mobility in the morning compared to later in the day. As a result, lifting big weights first thing in the morning increases your chance of injury.

Bottom Line

Not everyone is a morning person, however, adopting simple and healthy habits early in the day might make you one! Make a challenge for yourself and start your next morning with wholesome breakfast cereals, health-boosting dietary supplements, and a bit of exercise!