A healthy breakfast keeps you energized and focused throughout the day, but an unhealthy one can make you feel sluggish and even increase the risk of chronic diseases. Check out these 12 foods you should avoid. You might be surprised by how often you eat them, especially No. 6!
1. Pancakes
Despite their tastiness, pancakes usually contain a lot of refined white flour and lack protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Healthline points out that although they might quickly fill you up, they won't keep you satiated for long.
2. Muffins
Often topped with fruits and oats, muffins are considered a healthy choice for breakfast. However, the American Heart Association says that they are loaded with sugar, fat, and calories, which makes them a bad choice for your heart health.
3. Processed Meats
Most breakfast meats such as bacon, sausage, and ham are highly processed. The National Institutes Of Health (NIH) also suggests cutting down on these salt-rich foods which can increase your blood pressure and even your risk of stomach cancer.
4. Breakfast Bars
High in added sugar, granola or cereal bars can boost your energy, but they won't keep you full throughout the day. Moreover, the sugar content may result in obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease.
5. Bananas
Bananas do boast a lot of fiber that helps improve your gut health, but according to the NIH, the large amount of sugar in them can increase your blood sugar levels. Over time, your body may not be able to lower them effectively, which can lead to type-2 diabetes.
6. Buttered Toast
We all love a crunchy toast with a melted spread in the morning. But unfortunately, this easy and popular breakfast option provides few nutrients and is high in refined carbs and fat which have both been linked to heart disease and mood disorders.
7. Low-Fat Or Fat-Free Yogurts
Low-fat and fat-free yogurts have long been recognized for their high levels of protein and prebiotics. Nevertheless, they contain more added sugar than regular yogurt, so their flavor can be enhanced. Plus, with the fat removed, these varieties may be less filling than full-fat ones.
8. Avocado Toast
Though avocado toast is a great source of unsaturated fat and fiber, it's not a complete breakfast due to its lack of protein. Try topping the dish off with some eggs or beans to turn it into a well-balanced meal.
9. Bagels
According to the NIH, this classic breakfast item is high in calories and carbs. And it's mostly made with refined white flour, so you may not get enough nutritional value from a bagel in the morning.
10. Biscuits And Gravy
Health Journal lists this Southern staple as one of the unhealthiest foods you can possibly eat. This heavy breakfast is unfortunately loaded with cancer-causing nitrates and artery-clogging saturated fats, and is also low in nutritional benefits.
11. Sugary Cereals
You might think that this choice is healthy for both adults and children, but it's ladened with highly processed ingredients. The added sugar inside may even increase the risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
12. Hash Brown Patties
The hash brown patties are a pantry staple, but they're usually pre-fried and therefore add extra calories to your breakfast. Moreover, the NIH says that deep-fryer fats are detrimental to your health by causing inflammation in your gut.
