The best way to approach breakfast is actually to avoid heavy foods during the early morning hours. The true meaning of breakfast is to break a fast. Fasting is refraining from consuming food for a period of time, which gives the body a chance to rest and digest foods previously eaten, in preparation for elimination.
The hours of 8 PM – 4 AM is when the body is working to digest foods or nutrients that were consumed between the hours of 12 PM – 8 PM. The beginning of the next day, between the hours of 4 AM – 12 PM, should be a time of preparation for elimination and the first heavy meal of the day, preferably, at noon. (See: The Cycles of Food Consumption)
As you rise and prepare for the day, consuming certain liquids is best. Try the following to gain/maintain energy, cleanse, and prepare for the day:
- A glass of lemon water
- A glass of lemon water with a small pinch of cayenne pepper
- A green juice (See recipe)
- Nut Milk Shake (See recipe)
*Avoid coffee and black tea for breakfast and at all other times. These drinks are stimulants and will provide a false sense of energy. Coffee and caffeinated teas can also have an adverse effect on your overall health.
Yes, this may go against everything you have ever known about breakfast. Where are the eggs? Where is the bacon, the toast, the jam? How about the routine stop by Starbucks? It’s all about honoring what your body truly needs to be healthy. It is about honoring yourself and helping you to feel your best each morning and throughout each day. Give it a try for a week and see how you feel.