(BPT) - Families trying to navigate through a busy holiday season — whether it’s running to planned activities or hosting out-of-town guests — often engage in unhealthy breakfast habits or skip breakfast altogether. Studies show on-the-go families that eat a healthy, protein-packed breakfast can enjoy improved energy levels and stay full longer.
A recent study in the October 2018 Journal of Dairy Science shows a high-protein diet can help curb your appetite later in the day. Survey participants who consumed extra protein at breakfast had lower blood sugar levels and reduced appetites in the late afternoon.
Choosing protein-packed foods that offer a healthy dose of nutrients and vitamins can also benefit active families. Many families are opting for high-protein, 100 percent grass-fed products as their breakfast favorites. Grass-fed farms and ranches raise cows on pasture that eat the way nature intended, and as a result, their dairy and beef products contain higher levels of omega 3s, CLAs and beta carotene.
“Dairy produced from 100 percent grass-fed organic farms tastes farm fresh and satisfying — the way milk is supposed to taste,” said Tim Joseph, founding farmer of Maple Hill 100 percent grass-fed organic dairy. “The key to a better breakfast is eating protein and healthy fats to fuel your body and keep you fuller longer without slowing you down.”
Maple Hill is supplied by more than 150 small farms in Upstate New York, all producing certified 100 percent grass-fed organic dairy, including milk, kefir and yogurt. Joseph recommends using Maple Hill plain kefir as the perfect base for a low-carb, low-sugar smoothie that's good for your gut. Simply blend in blueberries, vanilla and ice cubes for a quick smoothie the family will love.
For a high-protein morning breakfast side, families can choose all-natural 100 percent grass-fed and finished beef products, such as Teton Waters Ranch maple, original and spicy breakfast links. These clean protein options are free of fillers, nitrates, antibiotics, hormones and gluten. They contain 10 grams of protein and all the benefits of 100 percent grass-fed beef, including higher levels of CLAs, omega 3s, and vitamins A, D and E. The sausage links are fully cooked, ready to heat and eat for a quick and easy breakfast solution. Teton Waters Ranch also offers 100 percent grass-fed and finished all-beef hot dogs, sausages and meatballs.
“Our company works to create a system of food that is both sustainable and healthy,” said Mike Murray, chief executive officer of Teton Waters Ranch. “We are passionate about offering better-for-you protein choices for busy, growing families.”
Another healthy food option to add to the breakfast table is a Kodiak Cakes Protein Packed Power Waffle or Flapjack for the toaster. The waffles and flapjacks have 12 grams of protein and are made with all-natural ingredients and 100 percent whole grains, which offer fiber, B vitamins and antioxidants to give long-lasting energy throughout the day.
No breakfast would be complete without coffee. Kitu Super Coffee, made from certified organic 100 percent Arabica coffee, is infused with healthy fats and 10 grams of protein in every bottle. Ready to drink and take on the go, the sugar-free, lactose-free, soy-free and gluten-free Super Coffee is sustainably sourced from local family farms and contains 100 percent MCT Oil extracted from coconut oil, which provides clean energy, optimal cognitive function and balances mood.
With little effort, busy families during the holiday season can prepare healthy, protein-packed breakfasts to keep them energized and full throughout the day. For more high-protein breakfast ideas that are better for you, visit www.MapleHill.com, www.TetonWatersRanch.com, www.KodiakCakes.com and www.KituLife.com.
