Best Breakfast for Hormone Balance, Acne Clearing & Weight Loss
What to Eat for Clear Skin, Hormone Balance and Weight Loss
A common question my patients ask me is what I eat for breakfast. I find that breakfast seems to be one of the harder meals of the day for patients to stick to. Feeling rushed in the morning, or lack of appetite are common reasons my patients have trouble eating a good breakfast.
An important step for balancing metabolism, cortisol (stress hormone), hormones, blood sugar and energy is having breakfast within the first hour of waking up. In addition, a breakfast that includes a healthy fat and/or a protein is ideal.
If you’re grabbing a bowl of cereal or a bagel for breakfast on your way out the door, that pure starch/carb is spiking your blood sugar and leading to a heavy crash really quickly after. What that does to the body is create higher levels of cortisol (stress hormone), and also contributes to more insulin resistance (no good for PCOS and weight control), and also can lead to crashes in energy, fatigue, and lack of focus or brain fog. If you struggle with acne, this can also lead to difficulty controlling break outs.
My breakfasts are almost always a packed smoothie with protein and healthy fat:
1/2 or 1 banana (omit this or use just berries if you are trying to lose weight, or struggling with insulin resistance PCOS)
1/4 cup frozen berries
2 scoops Vegan Protein Powder (important to add a good quality protein powder to keep metabolism going and balance blood sugar). NOTE: This protein powder includes a multi-vitamin in it. You do not need to take an additional multi-vitamin/discontinue any additional multi vitamin on days you are using this powder.
1 TBSP avocado or coconut cream (for healthy fat) – do not omit this. Health fat in the morning helps to balance metabolism and blood sugar and keep you satiated longer
handful of Kale or other leafy green (adds fiber and nutrients)
sometimes I will add Cacao or Maca for extra boost, but not necessary
The protein powder I use is also a multi vitamin, contains detox co-factors, and is also an electrolyte. It gives you a boost and provides activated B vitamins and a gentle detox. LINK HERE
If it’s too cold for a smoothie, or I need variety, I sometimes will make a small cup of oatmeal and add the protein powder in it. Oatmeal alone is too starchy for me (with my history of PCOS), but adding in the protein powder and a TBSP of almond butter helps to keep my blood sugar steady longer, and keep me satiated.
Though, for me, having the smoothie option each morning keeps things simple and easy. I don’t even have to think about what to make in the mornings. I also sip it over the course of 30 minutes or so to ease my digestion into the day. It’s an easy option for my patients who are in a rush or busy in the mornings. They can sip it in the car on the way to work, or while they check their emails.
If you’re wondering what to eat for clear skin, hormone balance, and/or weight loss, this is a good place to begin. Starting your day off right makes a big difference. Having a good quality breakfast will stave off hunger and cravings during the day, and kick start your metabolism. Of course, a full meal plan is key to reaching your goals. Keeping your insulin levels balanced will help to lower testosterone in women who struggle with PCOS related acne.
If you are looking for a customized plan that is easy to implement into your life, contact me for a free Discovery Call.
