Introduction
Let’s face it, very few of us are morning people. The blaring of the alarm, the frantic search for clean work clothes that you completely forgot to put out the night before, the car keys that were in your pocket the whole time; it’s no surprise that fitting breakfast into all that madness is the last thing people can be bothered to do. But breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and here at Fooditude, we believe it’s the key to making sure employees are prepared to face the tasks ahead of them.
Why is breakfast so important?
- Boosting your immune system
Getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals is key to a healthy immune system. Breakfast is a good opportunity to get one of your 5-a-day fruits and veg in early. - Reducing snacking
Following on from the last point, by having a good breakfast you will be less likely to snack throughout the day. It’s far better to start the day with a healthy breakfast than to graze until lunch. - Feeling energised
Eating at regular intervals is a vital part of maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm; this is our 24-hour body clock that modulates our internal processes. The two main influences on this body clock are light and food. Skipping meals or having them at irregular times disrupts this body clock and can result in fatigue and poor sleep. - Improved focus
Linked to the above: Maintaining anormal circadian rhythm results in better focus throughout the day. - Mental health
A balanced diet of regular meals including breakfast is key to physical and mental wellbeing for all the reasons above.
What makes a healthy breakfast?
If you want to start the day strong, then not just any old breakfast will do. There are certain things that are good to include if you want to get the most out of breakfast.
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- Protein – Helps us feel full (reducing the likelihood of snacking) and improves muscle health. Greek yoghurt, peanut butter, and eggs are excellent sources of protein.
- Fibre-rich carbohydrates – Carbohydrates are a vital part of our diets, as they provide the body with energy in the form of glucose, however, it is important to get the right kind of carbohydrate. White bread, pastries, energy drinks, and processed foods contain carbohydrates that are easily digested, which can result in weight gain and promote diabetes and heart disease. Fibre-rich carbohydrates are not so easily digested and so release their glucose more slowly – theyalso encourage a healthy gut. Fibre-rich carbohydrates are found only in plant-based foods, so try to fit in some fresh fruit, veg, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Fruit and vegetables are a great source of other essential nutrients and vitamins and are naturally gluten-free and vegan
- Healthy fats
Fat is another vital nutrient, but like carbohydrates it has to be the right kind. Artificial trans fats are particularly bad for you, while saturated fats should only account for a small amount of your daily calories. Unsaturated fat is the one you should look for. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines, nuts, avocados, and olive oil are great sources of unsaturated fats.
What's for breakfast?
Now we know how important breakfast is and what to look for, here are some healthy breakfast options that are sure to get the workday off to a good start.
- Breakfast Smoothies – Our clients love our breakfast smoothies because we get pretty creative with the flavours. We like to pack in lots of fruit and veg but we also make sure they’re balanced so they’re not just total sugar bombs. Our green apple, spinach and spirulina is always a hit!
- Oatmeal – We set up porridge bars for many of our clients because it’s a great way to start the day on cold mornings. Oatmeal is an excellent source of fibre,s iron, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and more. Throw in some fresh berries or nuts and seeds to amp up the antioxidants and protein.
- Chia pots and overnight oats – These are super easy to prepare a day ahead so you’ll often see them on our breakfast buffets. We usually go for plant-based milks to give our vegan clients a solid breakfast option.
- Fresh fruit – No nonsense, healthy, and suitable for most diets – fruit is always a safe choice. Top it with a bit of Greek yoghurt for a protein hit.
Conclusion
Catered breakfasts are the best way to make sure your valued staff are getting a decent breakfast. Providing breakfast at work reduces the stress of the morning rush by taking away the fuss of meal prep. By offering a range of healthy breakfast options, you’ll ensure your team is content, energised and focused on their work. Whether you want individual breakfast boxes or a glorious breakfast buffet, Fooditude’s diverse menu curated and prepared lovingly in our dedicated kitchens by our talented chefs is certain to do the trick!
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