7 Breakfast Foods You Should Avoid

Want to get off to a good start in the morning?

Eating breakfast is always a fantastic way to get going.

But make sure to steer clear of these seven foods to make sure you’re starting off on the right foot.

1. Pastries

Doughnuts, danish, muffins, you name it – these guys are a feature of every continental breakfast and morning conference spread that you could possibly run into.

Loaded with sugar, fat, carbs, and little else, there’s pretty much no nutritional value to these guys.

Plus, while that sugar may give you a boost in the short-term, you’ll soon feel a crash that will leave you feeling sluggish for the rest of the day.

2. Super Sugary Cereals

Breakfast cereals can be a great way to pack in some fiber that will keep you feeling full, but be careful to read your labels well. Anything that’s multicolored or features marshmallows should be an automatic out, and watch out, too, for the “healthy” options that are actually coated in sweet stuff.

3. Processed Meats

The traditional breakfast meats of sausage and bacon are quickly proving to be a straight road to heart disease. Numerous studies continue to find that processed meats contribute directly to cardiovascular and coronary disease, due to the combination of fats and preservatives (specifically nitrates and nitrites). So pick your breakfast sandwiches wisely!

4. Eggs With Extra Fat

Eggs can certainly be prepared in healthy ways, but numerous egg dishes are slathered in extra fat that quickly adds up.

Forego eggs with hollandaise sauce, and eggs with extras, like processed meats and cheese, and stick to healthier options, like hard-boiled eggs or an omelet with veggies.

5. Bagels

While it’s possible to find a healthy bagel, most bagels are roughly 300 to 500 calories of carbohydrates.

Add the usual spreads of cream cheese and butter, and you’re looking at a massively caloric breakfast with little nutritional value.

If you’re going to go for a bagel, choose a whole grain option and top it with a nut butter, hummus, or fruit preserves.

6. Fruit Juice

Yes, it has “fruit” in the name, but don’t be fooled – fruit juices tend to be absolutely jam packed with sugar. While a fresh-squeezed or no-sugar-added option can add in some extra nutrients, don’t depend on fruit juices for your five a day.

Stick to an actual piece of fruit instead, which will give you fiber and nutrients without additional sugar. A healthier alternative would be a smoothie made up of veggies and fruits.

7. Cream-and-Sugar-Packed Coffee Drinks

Need a morning pick me up? Stick to black coffee. Barista-made coffee drinks that go beyond the basics tend to be full of fat and added sugar and you can easily drink up hundreds of calories without realizing it.

For your caffeine fix, stick to black coffee, or add only a little low-fat milk and a healthy sweetener.

What are your favorite healthy breakfast picks? Share them with us in the comments section!

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