What Do Nutritionists Eat for Breakfast?

You don't need us to remind you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But you might need a few fresh ideas for your run-of-the-mill morning meal. We asked some of our favorite nutritionists to snap a photo of their breakfast and give us the lowdown on their wholesome choices. Check out their delicious dishes-and adjust your grocery list accordingly.

Greek yogurt bowl
Greek yogurt bowl

1. Greek yogurt bowl: Michael Roussell, PhD, author of 6 Pillars of Nutrition, digs into Greek yogurt with a half scoop of vanilla protein powder, pomegranate arils, and walnuts.

"Greek yogurt has twice the protein and half the carbs of regular yogurt, plus it's so creamy," Roussell says. "The powder gives added protein and vanilla flavor, while pomegranate berries, loaded with anthocyanins and ellagic acid, are some of the most powerful antioxidants we can get in our diet. Walnuts contain one of the most diverse blends of fats of any nuts, including high levels of omega-3. Some research suggests that daily walnut consumption can prevent age-related decreasing in cognitive function."





Skim latte
Skim latte


2. Skim latte:
Madelyn Fernstrom, nutrition and weight-loss expert at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and author of The Real You Diet, opts for a nourishing on-the-go meal.

"I order a tall 16-ounce skim milk latte ," Fernstrom says. "It's the same protein as two eggs and half my calcium needs for a whole day. It's warm and comforting in cold weather, and I switch to iced lattes in the summertime. I'll also grab a whole fruit to round it out, like an orange, apple, pear, or banana, whatever is in season."





Harvarti cheese and pita
Harvarti cheese and pita

3. Harvarti cheese and pita:Sari Greaves, RD, Nutrition Director at Step Ahead Weight Loss Center in Central New Jersey, kicks off her day with a balance of protein and good carbs.

"I wake up every morning with my high-protein scramble on toasted whole-grain pita," she says. "It takes only one ounce of delicious Havarti cheese to enrich this waist-friendly breakfast, paired with egg whites scrambled in nonfat cooking spray, chopped tomatoes, and peppers, with three-quarters of a cup of mixed berries. Havarti is aged for about three months, so it's full-flavored and creamy." Greaves finds that a small taste of a sharp cheese can help take the edge off hunger.

"I use a thin, whole-grain pita from Toufayan. You get more surface area, and the paper-thin pita tastes delicious toasted. After eight hours fast asleep, your body's gas tank is on empty so you want to fuel up with low-fat protein and good carbs."

Greaves' wholesome breakfast totals 300 calories, plus an additional 70 for the berries.



Protein pancake
Protein pancake

4. Protein pancakes:TODAY Show Health Expert Joy Bauer feasts on one large protein pancake topped with mango and blueberry, as well as one or two cups of black coffee in the a.m.

"As a healthy, energizing alternative to starchy white pancakes, I love to start my day with what I call a protein pancake," Bauer says. "It's made with egg whites, which deliver 20 grams of high-quality protein to keep hunger at bay and help me stay alert and focused throughout the morning. The other key ingredient is whole-grain oats , which are rich in fiber to up the fill factor even more. What I love most is that you get a giant, dinner plate-sized pancake for only 265 calories. I top mine with fiber-rich fruit for another shot of nutrition."




Green smoothies
Green smoothies

5. Green smoothies:Kimberly Snyder, celeb nutritionist and author of The Beauty Detox Solution, drinks her signature Glowing Green Smoothie every morning.

"Starting each day with the Glowing Green Smoothie injects the body with a direct dose of nutrients and minerals," Synder says. With all-star ingredients like organic celery and romaine lettuce, this revitalizing blend gives you vibrant skin, healthier hair, and an energy boost!




To see what more top nutritionists eat for breakfast, click here!


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