1. Start with Protein

Think of protein as your base ingredient when making a skinny breakfast. Start with a choice compromised of lean, high quality protein, such as Greek yogurt, or a clean protein powder. Eggs also make great choices, so long as they’re from a good source. If you prefer something hot and cozy, add oats, which have 6 grams of protein per half cup, or quinoa, which has 10 grams of protein per half cup.

2. Add Fiber

Next, it’s time to add some fiber to your breakfast. This can be in the form of flaxseeds, healthy raw nuts, chia seeds, psyllium husks, and oats, which are high in fiber. You can make a protein pancake, add any of these toppings to a smoothie, stir them into yogurt, or make homemade protein bars. I’ve even scrambled eggs with them too! Adding fibers slows down your blood sugar, which is essential in the morning, when your blood sugar can rise due to overnight fasting. This also curbs your appetite, aids in regularity, and prevents morning sugar cravings later on.

3. Add Antioxidants

Now it’s time to add some super power to your breakfast! Adding antioxidants from fruits, veggies, or special superfood powders are all great ways to start your morning off right. Some of my favorite choices include berries, powdered superfoods, hemp seeds, leafy greens in a smoothie or with eggs, or veggies with an omelet.

4. Add Calcium

Calcium is that special nutrient that calms your nerves, slows down your blood pressure, and eases stress. Cortisol is usually high in the morning, and calcium helps to combat stress from excess cortisol. Calcium is also essential to bone growth, weight loss, and stable nerves. I get mine from Silk Pure Almond milk or from Greek yogurt. Leafy greens are also rich in calcium, as are chia seeds.

5. Add a Little Fat

All those healthy nutrients can’t be absorbed without a little healthy fat. Add your favorite source, in just 1 tsp. or 2 tsp. amounts for breakfast so your body can absorb all those nutrients you’re eating. My favorite ways to get healthy fats are flaxseeds, chia seeds, coconut oil, and soaked almonds. Egg yolks are actually a fantastic source as well.

6. Omega 3s

Be sure to include one source of Omega 3s at breakfast, and preferably multiple times throughout the day. Omega 3s can be found in walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp protein, and take fish oil caps with your breakfast. I don’t usually want any form of fish first thing in the morning, but hey, if that’s your thing, feel free! Fish is the best source of omega 3s of all sources besides chia seeds.

7. Add a Boost

Now, to give your body an extra boost at breakfast, add a special metabolism enhancer. This can come from one cup of coffee, or one cup of Crio Bru, which is roasted cocoa beans that stimulate metabolism. Other choices include cacao nibs, which are rich in stimulants that promote a healthy metabolism, along with coconut oil, which stimulates fat burning as well, and green tea with lemon and cayenne. Coffee isn’t bad for you, so long as you keep it to one or two cups, so if that’s your only option, stick with it! Just leave out the cream and sugar and add in almond milk and stevia instead.

I also recommend adding cinnamon to any breakfast dish you make. Cinnamon stimulates digestion, relieves bloating, eases blood pressure, and reduces the amount of fat and carbs digested. It also slows down blood sugar, which is amazing for the morning time, when blood sugar can be at its peak after a night time fast. If you have a way to make a skinny breakfast, do you mind sharing with me?