This week we are featuring items for the most important meal of the day “Breakfast”. Many people find it difficult to have breakfast in the morning as they are busy with getting kids off to school, squeezing in a workout and getting to work.
By consuming lentils in a breakfast item first thing in the morning this will help to meet some important nutritional and daily recommended levels of iron, folate, fiber, and protein. They also heath with satiety “keeps you feeling full”
Here are a few facts about the importance of breakfast:
- Eating breakfast helps you lose weight
“There’s well-documented evidence showing that eating breakfast correlates with long-term weight loss and weight maintenance,” says Charlene Chen, a clinical dietitian with the Vancouver General Hospital. Eating regular meals, says Chen, “stimulates metabolism and signals the body to start using fuel, instead of hoarding fuel.” When you skip meals, however, the body goes into lockdown mode, burning far fewer calories. - Skipping breakfast is tied to being overweight
Studies have shown that breakfast-skippers – of all ages – are more likely to be overweight than regular breakfast eaters. - Skipping it makes it harder to meet your nutritional needs
According to Canada’s Food Guide, adult women need at least seven servings of fruit and veggies per day, six of breads and cereals, two of dairy, and two of meat and alternatives. - It’s easy, even if you’re not hungry
Okay, we’ll admit that some mornings the idea of a meal is just unappealing. If you feel queasy at the idea of choking down toast, try a liquid breakkie instead. Concoct a simple DIY smoothie with a banana, lentil puree, handful of berries (frozen fruit makes it a snap), low-fat milk and orange juice. - You’ll have more energy
Food literally provides you with energy. When you start your day on nothing, you’re running on empty. But if you eat up, you’ve got what you need to make it through your workday, and, hopefully, a lunchtime gym session, too! - You’re less likely to cheat on your diet
Spacing your calories throughout the day at regular intervals is better than going through a starve-binge routine each day. Don’t deprive yourself of breakfast – or other meals for that matter – or you may just find yourself losing control later in the day. - You’ll feel smarter
“Eating breakfast provides an energy boost to the brain for mid-morning alertness and performance,” says clinical dietitian Chen. - You’re setting a good example for your kids
A University of Minnesota study published last year in Pediatrics found that 25 per cent of teens regularly miss breakfast. Some do so to save time in the morning, but a sizable portion does it in a misguided attempt to lose weight. An earlier Finnish study found that children who skip breakfast are more likely to have parents who also skip breakfast. Unfortunately the results of skipping breakfast are the same for youths as adults: less energy and concentration, a higher likelihood of obesity and nutritional deficit.
Sweet And Salty Chocolate Chip Lentil Granola Bars
Ingredients:
1 cup red lentils
2 cups water
3 1/4 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup flour (I used whole grain)
1/4 cup ground flax
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup raw almonds, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp coarse seasalt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup red lentils
2 cups water
3 1/4 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup flour (I used whole grain)
1/4 cup ground flax
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup raw almonds, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp coarse seasalt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Combine water and lentils in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer (uncovered) for 20-25 minutes. Drain excess liquid and allow to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Combine oats, flour, flax, coconut, almonds, cinnamon and salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk together until well blended.
- In a separate large bowl, combine lentils, peanut butter, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla. Blend with a hand blender or manually with a whisk.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just blended. Add chocolate chips and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9″ X 13″ baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool, cut into bars and serve as a snack on their own, or pair with fruit for healthy on-the-go breakfast.