Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? According to AROmotion’s founder, Dr. Robert Dean, it is! While it may be tempting to skip breakfast due to the morning rush or to skip the calories, Dr. Dean says that a healthy and balanced breakfast offers the following benefits:
- Kickstarts your metabolism and energy for the day
- Fuels your brain so you can focus on the day’s tasks
- Helps reduce the risk of overeating later in the day
That said, not all breakfasts are created equal – especially for those trying to manage chronic joint pain through diet.
“For patients with joint pain, it’s important to choose foods that will help control inflammation and not contribute to weight gain, which can put additional strain on the impacted joints,” says Dr. Dean. “When it comes to breakfast, I always advise my patients to choose a balanced meal consisting of lean proteins, fruits and veggies, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and items that are loaded with sugar.”
The good news is that there’s no shortage of delicious options when it comes to making a healthy breakfast at home. In fact, Dr. Dean has his own list of favorite recipes that are loaded with health benefits and easy to whip up quickly at home:
Avocado Toast. This simple recipe has everything – healthy fats, whole grains, veggies, and lean protein. Start by toasting 1-2 pieces of whole-grain bread. Top each slice with ½ avocado that’s been smashed with lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and your favorite fresh veggies like diced tomatoes and onions. For a hit of protein, add an egg cooked to your preference. If you like heat, top with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Breakfast Wrap. Add two scrambled eggs, chopped turkey bacon, and your favorite chopped veggies to a warm or grilled whole-grain wrap. Sprinkle on a little low-fat shredded cheese, roll it up, slice it in half, and enjoy!
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes. For those who can’t do without something sweet for breakfast, this healthier pancake recipe delivers on both texture and flavor while being free from gluten, dairy, and sugar. Banana and rolled oats replace traditional flourr and best of all, you can still top these with 100% real maple syrup! Get the recipe from Modern Honey here.
Greek Yogurt Parfait. When it comes to yogurt, Dr. Dean prefers Greek because it’s high in protein and contains probiotics. Avoid flavored varieties which may contain added sugars and instead, add your own by creating a parfait layered with the yogurt and your favorite fresh fruits. This also makes a great dessert!
Simple Breakfast. Eggs are one of the healthiest breakfast options available because they are packed with protein and healthy fats. If you are craving something old school, start with eggs done your way – just avoid adding too much butter or oil in preparation – and pair with crisp turkey bacon, your favorite fresh fruit, and a slice of whole-grain toast.
“I always carve out time to sit down and enjoy a healthy breakfast each morning,” says Dean. “It’s become a relaxing daily ritual that gives me energy and keeps me full through the afternoon. And, by choosing the right ingredients, you can help reduce inflammation and keep your joint pain in check.”
If you are living with chronic knee, hip, or shoulder pain that’s preventing you from daily tasks and activities, you can complete the form below to request your free consultation with Dr. Dean to see if you are a candidate for AROmotion, which has helped more than 2,000 patients stop their joint pain fast without surgery.
