In addition to National Honey Month, September is also Better Breakfast Month. And with so many ways to enjoy honey in the morning, it’s so easy to celebrate two occasions with one dish (or many).
So what is the story behind Better Breakfast Month, where are its roots? While not much is written about its history, it is said to have originated during World War I when the U.S. government encouraged citizens to consume a “Better Breakfast,” ultimately picking up steam again during World War II. The occasion we have come to know today was first promoted in September by the Cereal Institute in 1951 and is believed to coincide with the end of summer vacations and to start of the new school year.
But how true is it that “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”? While the verdict may be out, there are a variety of benefits attributed to the first meal of the day.
HEALTHIER HEART
According to the fine folks at the International Food Information Council Foundation, people who opt-in for breakfast typically see lower blood cholesterol since they are consuming less fat and more fiber in their diets. This is attributed to common breakfast staples, such as fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, fruit, and even the whole grain cereals which they say “can be part of an eating plan that helps control blood pressure and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.”
BETTER DIGESTION
In addition to keeping you fuller longer, the insoluble fiber in a lot of today’s breakfast cereals (among other items, like whole grain toast) can help to keep you regular, and the “good” bacteria found in yogurts, yogurt drinks and cereal may also help to promote digestive health, keeping your gut nice and happy (and who doesn’t like a happy gut?).
STRONGER BONES
It’s no secret that milk is a source of calcium and vitamin D, but also protein – all contributing to healthy and strong bones. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation, “[a]dults, teens, and kids who regularly eat breakfast consume more calcium and other nutrients each day.” And here’s a fun fact: enjoying milk in your cereal provides 7 times more calcium than cereal without1!
IMPROVED METABOLISM
According to Rush University Medical Center, eating breakfast “jumpstarts your metabolism and, thus, helps you burn more calories throughout the day.” Because of this, it may look like adding that morning meal may actually help keep weight gain at bay and may even assist in managing weight.
With the kids heading back to school, it is more important than ever to re-evaluate your morning routine and make breakfast a priority. In fact, multiple studies have found that we set our students up for success when we start their day with breakfast. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation, consuming breakfast “may help kids do better in school by improving memory, alertness, concentration, problem-solving ability, test scores, school attendance, and mood.”
So what is the key to unlocking breakfast’s benefits? According to SCL Health, it is a mix of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats and fiber – “Carbs will give you energy right away, and the protein will give you a boost later on. Fiber will keep you feeling full.”
Already a breakfast believer? Well, we would be remiss if we didn’t give you our tip on how you can take your breakfast to the next level, and we promise it’s a sweet one – add honey! When paired with honey’s natural flavor and energy (providing 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon), your breakfast will taste as good as it makes you feel. Concerned about the added sugar? That’s not a worry with honey – in fact, honey is actually slightly sweeter than sugar, so you can use less of it to achieve the same level of sweetness.
Now, whether you are preparing ahead of time, enjoying at the breakfast table each morning, or taking your meal on-the-go, we’ve got a dish for you. Each with a combination of carbs, protein, fiber and/or healthy fats and naturally sweetened with honey, these breakfast recipes are sure to prepare you and your family for whatever the day has in store!
We want to hear from you! What are your favorite honey breakfast recipes? Tell us all about them in the comments below.
SOURCES:
1 Wake Up to the benefits of breakfast. International Food Information Council Foundation. © 2012. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.or...
