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Healthy or not, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports up to one-quarter of Americans regularly bypass breakfast. Maybe it is because they believe intermittent fasting suits their bodies or simply because they are not hungry or in a hurry! There is NO TIME for breakfast! At the end of the writing, you’ll see the gifts we are giving away to encourage breakfasting! (breaking the fast)

Certified registered family nurse practitioner (FNP-C) Alison Hallinan joined me on this Movin’ Together broadcast to discuss breakfasting. Please watch the video to hear all of Alison’s answers to our breakfasting questions.

Studies suggest eating breakfast can help keep blood sugar and blood pressure levels steady and improve cholesterol levels, provided you select the healthy options! Alison says she likes to fix the overnight oats so they are ready in the morning. She prefers strawberries as her favorite fruit topping!

Directions:
Soak overnight in the refrigerator.
Stir in the morning and add more liquid if desired, eating cold or warm.
Just remember the 1:1 ratio. You will soak 1 part liquid with 1 part oats overnight.
For example, if you use 1/2 cup of oats, you will use 1/2 cup of milk, dairy, nut, or soy milk.

Intermittent Fasting (IF) has become an increasingly popular fad diet over the past few years. While IF may lead to results such as weight loss, increased cognition, and improved overall body composition in the short term, it is not very sustainable for many interested in making long-term lifestyle changes. When discussing intermittent fasting, Alison suggested discussing losing weight with your healthcare provider if that is one of your healthy fitness goals. Feel like you’re overeating and unable to tune in to your body’s cues? Make an appointment with your primary care physician or a registered dietitian. Working with a professional can help you devise a program that emphasizes listening to your body’s needs.

Another suggestion for keeping weight in check is to eat dinner between 6 and 8 p.m. and then sleep through the night; you’ve gone a long time without sustenance! Eating breakfast can then help jump-start your metabolism. The best time to have breakfast is within two hours of getting up.

To get the most nutrients for your breakfast, choose foods with a mix of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber. Carbohydrates will give you energy right away, protein will sustain you through the morning, and fiber will help you feel full for at least a few hours (probably more)

Movin’ Together Giveaway: If you want to be entered into the drawing to win one of the breakfasting gifts, two beautiful glass spoons by Cottage Glassworks, and a $20.00 gift certificate to Arise Cafe for the breakfast of your choice. Please E-mail me at sara@thehomepagenetwork.com or look for our particular Facebook post to enter by answering the question from Alison’s information in the broadcast. Why is breakfast important? (Watch the video to see the different breakfast gifts.) Please invite your friends to come along! The drawing will take place on Monday, March 25th.

Next month on Movin’ Together Laughing with Cortney Killian of Charisma in Troy, Pa.

Medical expertise: Alison Hallinan is a certified registered family nurse practitioner (FNP-C) at the Wellsboro Laurel Health Center at 7 Water St. in Wellsboro, PA. She specializes in family medicine and wellness care for patients of all ages. Ali on is passionate about helping her patients embrace preventive medicine and self-care to live healthier, happier lives. She is accepting new patients of all ages. To make an appointment with Alison, call 570-724-1010. To learn more about Alison and her approach to care, visit laurelhc.org.