Growing up I had a hard time eating big breakfasts. My go-to breakfast was generally a piece of toast with butter and hot chocolate My breakfast style has changed dramatically since then. On few occasions though, I just don't want too much for breakfast. As I've talked to family and friends I've discovered that many people feel this same way and unfortunately end up making less than great nutritional choices. For mornings like this, I instead like to eat what I refer to as decadent toast and an entire grapefruit. I eat the meat of it and then juice the rest of it by hand and drink the juice. For people that fall into the small breakfast category regularly or from time to time here is a way to up the anti on the morning toast, in Green Giant fashion.
Let's first discuss:
Grapefruit:
It's a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, contains moderate levels of B-complex group of vitamins such as folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and thiamin in addition to some resourceful minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, and phosphorus. The sour taste of grapefruit has been shown to help with cravings for sweets.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:
Coconut Oil deserves it's own post, for now a reader's digest version is that it has been linked to improvements in hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism,
These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.
I always choose butter over margarine, every time. Coconut oil on toast is even better than butter.
The Spices:
CINNAMON: Cinnamon's sweet, spicy and warm fragrance adds pungent sweetness to your favorite baked goodies It has been linked to obesity fighting power, sugar regulating, immune boosting Researchers have discovered that by consuming as little as 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon every day will help keep your blood sugar stable and lower the possibility of clogged arteries. Cinnamon has been claimed to have anti-fungal properties and anti-cancer properties as well.
MACA:
Studies have identified four alkaloids present in maca known to nourish the endocrine system. Maca root has been used as a stress-fighting adaptogen to increase stamina, boost libido and combat fatigue. Maca is a nutrient-dense whole food packed with vitamins, plant sterols as well as many essential minerals, fatty and amino acids
Decadent Toast recipe:
I take a slice of whole wheat bread (usually one I've made myself) and toast it. Then I use Coconut oil as a spread. I then sprinkle just a bit of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of Maca Root Powder on my toast.
It's fabulous! It tastes almost like a treat. So easy, so wholesome. One baby step for the morning, one GIANT step for the day. The confidence that comes from starting the day out with something simple but health focused sets the right tone for the rest of the day.
*I would not personally recommend Maca for children among other reasons for its energy enhancing properties. My children enjoy their toast with just coconut oil the rare mornings they also eat toast.
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