Eat Breakfast to Lose Weight!

Most nutritionists agree that eating early in the day improves your metabolic rate, controls hunger later in the day and provides you with sustained energy. Research suggests that people who eat a healthy breakfast everyday are more successful at losing weight and keeping it off for the long-term. An ideal breakfast includes a mix of protein and complex carbohydrates.

If you're like me, mornings are insanely busy. I don't have the time to make myself some eggs and whole grain toast everyday. My breakfast regularly consists of an Isagenix whey protein shake that I can mix up in my Magic Bullet in about 30 seconds. When I have time to treat myself, my first choice is for a half portion of the "Ultimate Power Breakfast" (see the recipe below, reposted from January, 2011).

The Ultimate Power Breakfast

(Men's Fitness - Abs Training Guide)

What you need:

1 egg

1 cup of 1 percent milk

3/4 cup of plain instant oatmeal

1/2 cup mixed berries

1 tbsp chopped pecans or almonds

1 tsp vanilla whey-protein powder

1 tsp ground flaxseed

1/2 banana sliced

1 tbsp plain yogurt

How to Make it:

Whisk everything together but the banana and yogurt in a microwavable bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes or until set. Let cool for a minute or two. Top with banana and yogurt. Makes 1 serving...share it with a friend or make a half recipe for a lighter meal.

PER SERVING: 570 calories, 29 g protein, 80 g carbohydrates (11 g fiber), 18 g fat, 200 mg sodium

Shake it Up!

Thanks to Lindsey, here's a recipe for an extremely delicious and healthy shake.

Peanut Butter & Banana Shake

What you need:

1 Frozen Banana (cut up in chunks)

1 Cup Milk

1/4 Cup of Vanilla Yogurt

1 TBSP of Peanut Butter

1/2 TSP of Vanilla

Dash of Cinnamon

(option: I like to add a scoop of Isagenix's Whey Protein Powder to the mix & a few ice cubes)

Simply blend the ingredients together in your magic bullet (or blender) and Enjoy!

Fueling up Before you Workout!

What you eat and when you eat will have a huge impact on your overall health, energy levels and the effectiveness of your workouts. To get the most out of your training, you need to eat a good pre-workout snack about 60-90 minutes beforehand. Experts suggest it should include about 15-25 grams of carbohydrates and 6-15 grams of protein (especially if working out in the morning).

Most mornings I'm in a rush and just grab a protein shake before I head to the gym. Below I've included a couple of good pre-workout options.

• Isalean Protein Shake with Isagenix Greens & IsaCalcium (click on each product for more details)
• 1 cup cooked oatmeal, 8 oz low fat milk with 12 almonds & 1/2 a cup of berries
• 1/2 cup of granola with 6 oz of greek yogurt, 1 egg & 1/2 a grapefruit
• 1/2 a scoop of whey protein with 8 oz of skim milk and 1 cup of berries