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From packaged cereals to doughnuts to toast covered in jam, traditional breakfast foods are notoriously packed with sugar. Some people think a sugar rush in the morning is just what they need to feel energized and ready for the day. But, eating loads of sugar for breakfast can actually slow you down and set you up for bad habits all day long.
Many people crave sugar in the morning because they have low blood sugar levels when they first wake up (this is especially true among adults with diabetes). Morning sugar cravings are also the result of not getting quality sleep the night before or simply because you’ve established a routine over time of eating sugary breakfast foods. However, eating these sweet foods day after day, and particularly right after waking up, can lead to some pretty dire health consequences. Numerous research studies have linked excess sugar in the diet to health concerns such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased risk of heart attack, lackluster skin and weight gain...just to name a few! Sugary foods also have some addictive properties, which means you are more likely to crave even more sweet snacks throughout the day if you start your day off with sugar.
But, fear not! There are plenty of low-sugar alternatives you can add to your morning menu, and with a little planning, ensure your breakfast meals are as healthy as they are delicious. Here are three easy ways to start your day without sugar:
1. Veggie Scrambles
There are so many amazing savory breakfast options that cut sugar out of your morning routine entirely. Veggie scrambles are high among them: tasty, filling, quick and easy to make, these one-pan dishes nix the sugar and can help you tackle your daily requirement of vegetables to start your day on the very best note.
Scrambles often have a protein-rich base of eggs, but you can also use crumbled tofu for a fully plant-based version. Just stir-fry a mixture of onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach or any other veggies you love, add eggs or tofu, and finish off with any seasonings you're craving until cooked through. Top it all off with added superfoods to give your veggie scramble extra flavor and health benefits using versatile varieties such as hemp seeds, chia seeds and even low-sugar goji berries.
2. Toast with the Most
Long gone are the days when toast is boring, dull and tasteless. Today’s toast creations feature lots of healthy and delicious toppings that fuel your body with nutrients and protein instead of sugar.
Toast is also an excellent place to get your daily dose of healthy fats with sliced or mashed avocado, coconut oil, olive oil or nut butters. Add some sliced tomatoes, shaved radishes or marinated mushrooms if you'd like, too. And of course, toast is also a wonderful opportunity to start your day with superfoods: try textural and aesthetically pleasing toppings like nuts, seeds, sprouts and spices.
3. Low-Sugar Smoothies
Low-sugar smoothies in the morning are perfect on days you’re rushed or just want something satisfyingly sweet to take on-the-go. In fact, you can make your morning smoothies even more delicious by using Navitas Organics Superfood+ Blends. These comprehensive plant-based powders contain an impressive combination of antioxidant- and mineral-rich superfoods with no added sugar, fillers or fortified ingredients!
With all these amazingly delicious flavors and effortless health benefits, you’re not likely to miss sugar a bit with your new-and-improved breakfast routine! Need more ideas for healthy, low-sugar or sugar-free breakfast meals? Head to our Recipe Library for all the goods.
