Ever feel like you’re winning at breakfast only to crash by mid-morning? Turns out, some of those “healthy” breakfast options might be the culprits. Before you pat yourself on the back for skipping the donut, take a closer look at what’s really going on with your morning meal. You might be surprised to find out that some of these seemingly virtuous choices are hiding more sugar and calories than you’d expect.
Granola
Granola seems like the holy grail of health foods, but store-bought versions can have more sugar than a donut. A typical serving can pack up to 15 grams of sugar and 200 calories. You might as well grab a donut and call it a day.
Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls look like a rainbow explosion in a bowl, but they can be sugar bombs. With all the honey, granola, and fruit, some bowls can hit 600 calories and 50 grams of sugar. That’s basically dessert for breakfast!
Flavored Yogurt
Flavored yogurts are sneaky. They hide up to 30 grams of sugar per serving, more than a glazed donut! Skip the sugar rush and go for plain yogurt with your own fruit for sweetness.
Instant Oatmeal
Those little oatmeal packets are convenient, but flavored ones can have as much sugar as a donut. Some packets have 12 grams of sugar. Opt for plain oats and jazz them up with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Protein Bars
Protein bars sound healthy, but many are just candy bars in disguise. Some have up to 20 grams of sugar and 300 calories. Read the labels or risk turning your morning snack into a sugary treat.
Juice and Smoothies
Store-bought juices and smoothies often come with added sugars and lack the fiber of whole fruits. You might as well drink a milkshake with how much sugar they sneak in. Make your own at home to control the sugar content.
Bagels with Cream Cheese
A large bagel with a generous smear of cream cheese can have more calories than a donut. Depending on the bagel size and cream cheese portion, you’re looking at 400+ calories. Might as well go straight for the donut!
Muffins
Store-bought muffins are essentially cake without the frosting. A single muffin can contain 400-500 calories and more sugar than a donut. They may look innocent, but they’re stealthy sugar bombs.
Breakfast Cereal
Many cereals, especially the colorful ones marketed to kids, are sugar traps. Some contain over 20 grams of sugar per serving. It’s like eating candy for breakfast. Aim for cereals with low sugar and high fiber content.
Fruit Smoothies
Fruit smoothies can be deceiving. Some come with loads of fruit juice, yogurt, and honey, adding up to 500 calories and 60 grams of sugar. They’re basically sugar in a glass. Make your own with whole fruits and no added sugars.
Rice Cakes with Nut Butter
Rice cakes are light and generally a good choice, but slathering them with nut butter can quickly turn them into calorie-dense snacks. Watch your portions with nut butter. It’s a great healthy fat but two tablespoons isn’t much. Depending on how much nut butter you use, you could easily surpass the calories in a donut.
Granola Bars
Granola bars seem like a healthy grab-and-go option, but many are loaded with sugar and calories. Some bars pack 15 grams of sugar and over 200 calories, making them no better than a sugary treat.
15 Breakfasts That Will Make You the Morning Person You’re Not
Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, but let’s be honest, it can sometimes fall into a bit of a rut, especially with the same old bowl of cereal. If you’re looking to kickstart your mornings with something a bit more exciting and fulfilling, you’ve come to the right place. We’re rounding up a selection of hearty breakfast recipes that are quick to whip up and promise to make your mornings anything but mundane. From savory quesadillas to sweet baked oats, we’ve got something for everyone.
Read it Here: 15 Breakfasts That Will Make You the Morning Person You’re Not
15 Breakfasts That Won’t Send Your Blood Sugar On A Rollercoaster Ride
Starting your day with the right breakfast can make all the difference, especially if you’re trying to keep your blood sugar levels stable. This list of recipes is packed with delicious options that are easy to make and perfect for a protein-rich start to your morning. Each dish has been chosen for its ability to provide sustained energy without the dreaded sugar spike and crash.
Read it Here: 15 Breakfasts That Won’t Send Your Blood Sugar On A Rollercoaster Ride
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
