When it comes to choosing the perfect breakfast, make sure there’s a decent dose of protein on your plate. New research published in the Journal of Nutrition shows that people who eat 30 grams of protein in the morning boost muscle protein synthesis by 30% compared to those who stick with a traditional carb-rich, lower protein meal. What this means: Fueling up on protein helps you repair muscles more quickly, so your metabolism stays stoked and you’re less apt to get sidelined by injury.
As if that’s not enough, having a protein-packed breakfast can also help control cravings: A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition revealed that people who ate eggs and toast at breakfast consumed 331 fewer calories throughout the day than on days when they had breakfasts with the same calorie count but were either high carb (cereal, milk and toast) or high fat (croissants).
To help you get leaner and stay satisfied longer, try switching to breakfasts that provide 20-30 grams of protein to enhance feelings of fullness and ensure that you have amino acids at the ready to help build and retain lean muscle mass.
Here are five protein-rich breakfasts that can help you feel fuller longer. Each has around 25 grams of protein and no more than 400 calories.
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One-Minute Yogurt & Berry Jar Parfait
Ingredients: 8 oz nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 1cup fresh berries and 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
Layer fruit, yogurt, oats and honey in a jar. Enjoy immediately or cover and refrigerate overnight.
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Breakfast Burrito
Ingredients: 2 whole eggs and 1 white (or 4 egg whites), 1-2 slices chopped Canadian bacon
While scrambling eggs, add chopped spinach, chopped bell pepper and salsa. Toss in chopped bacon. Serve in 1 small (6-inch) corn or whole grain tortilla with at least 5 grams protein.
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Protein Pancakes
Ingredients: 1 small ripe (overripe is better) banana, 2 eggs or 4 egg whites,1 Tbsp nut butter
Optional: Pinch of cinnamon, drop of vanilla extract, 3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1 Tbs chopped nuts
Mash the banana, add the egg and mix well. Stir in nut butter and any spices or extract. Heat a nonstick skillet on medium heat and use some oil or nonstick cooking spray to ensure the pancakes don’t stick. Pour a large spoonful of batter into hot pan and cook until browned on one side (3 minutes or more), then flip and brown the other. Makes 2 large or 4-5 silver-dollar pancakes. Optional: Top pancakes with yogurt, fruit and nuts. Enjoy!
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One-Minute Nutty Jar Muesli
Ingredients: 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1 Tbs. chopped nuts
Layer yogurt, oats, nuts and honey in a jar. Enjoy immediately or close and refrigerate overnight.
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Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 cup skim milk, 8 oz nonfat or lowfat plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (or 1 medium banana), 1 Tbs honey
In a blender, combine skim milk with 8 oz nonfat or low-fat plain Greek yogurt and 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (or 1 medium banana) and 1 Tbs honey. Blend until desired consistency. Add ice cubes, if needed.
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References:
Fallaize R, Wilson L, Gray J, Morgan LM, Griffin BA. Variation in the effects of three different breakfast meals on subjective satiety and subsequent intake of energy at lunch and evening meal. Eur J Nutr. 2013 Jun;52(4):1353-9.
Madonna M. Mamerow, Joni A. Mettler, Kirk L. English, et al. Dietary Protein Distribution Positively Influences24-h Muscle Protein Synthesis in Healthy Adults1–3 J Nutr. 2014 Jan 29. [Epub ahead of print]
