It’s 8:30 a.m. and you can snooze for 10 more minutes, or you can get up and eat a quick bowl of cereal. You’re faced with the age old question: bed or breakfast?
USDA research shows only 44 percent of American adults eat breakfast everyday, even though 93 percent believe it’s the most important meal.
Like any aspect of diet, debates about breakfast range across the spectrum of fitness plans, weight loss consultants and scientific research. If you’re on a special no-breakfast diet or fast, this doesn’t apply to you. But if you’re one of many students who skips breakfast for no specific health reason, consider three benefits to eating breakfast and three ways to get that breakfast and make it to class on time.
First, eating a good breakfast can help you concentrate, according to WebMD. Between group projects, extensive research papers and regular life drama, its hard enough to pay attention in morning classes. Added to four hours of sleep and it’s almost impossible to pay attention in a 9 a.m. class. Eating a healthy breakfast is one way to increase your concentration in morning classes.
If you live on campus, hitting the Bean for a banana and a bowl of yogurt takes less than seven minutes. WebMD says protein is even better, so if you’re feeling like having bacon, grab some of that too. Lines for food in the Bean are usually longer between 30-45 minutes past the hour. The line gets shorter as it gets closer to the top of the hour. So most days if you stop in at 8:50, you can quickly fill a plastic bowl and still get to your 9 a.m. class on time. Another option is the egg bagel sandwiches from Einsteins which come out in 10 minutes or less.
A second reason to eat breakfast includes managing your weight. Whether you got the Freshman 15 or the Sing Song 15, you likely want to drop that body fat before summer. WebMD research shows eating breakfast can kick start your metabolism so your body will be ready to burn fat. Breakfast also keeps you from overeating at lunchtime, especially if your breakfast has more protein.
If you live off campus and you like to sleep in as long as possible, try putting a box of protein bars in your car. You only have to buy one box each week, so you can purchase it along with your regular groceries. It’s not expensive because most boxes of protein bars cost around $5.
Third, breakfast provides nutrients and vitamins your body needs. Nutrients give you better digestion, smoother skin, shinier nails and stronger muscles. You don’t need fancy products to be as healthy as possible. In your early 20s your body is probably in the best state it’s ever going to be, so why not take advantage of this time to get the best nutrients?
If you’re willing to part with a few extra minutes of sleep, try cooking eggs or blending a smoothie. WebMD suggests fruit and yogurt smoothies, omelets and even salmon on a bagel as some healthy breakfast options. These meals take 10-20 minutes, but combined with your last minute studying, it’s worth some extra time.
Whether you want weight loss, more energy or more focus breakfast is the solution for you. Easy options like buying protein bars or making a quick run to the Bean on the way to class make it possible for even the busiest students. If you’re willing to make time for coffee every morning, why not make time for breakfast? There’s no more excuses for skipping.
