Are You Eating Cake for Breakfast?

It’s My Birthday and I’m Going to Make a Cake was the title of a book I used to read to my children when they were young. The various storybook characters brought ingredients to make a cake. My kids loved the sing-song rhythm of "It’s
my birthday and I’m going to make a cake" that the main character stated on
each page. In response, chicken said, "I’ll bring the butter." Cat said, "I’ll bring the sugar." Dog said "I’ll bring the flour." Mouse said, "I’ll bring the eggs."
And there you have it. The basic ingredient list for a cake: fat,
sugar, eggs, flour.

Cake is a treat. Right?  We eat cake to celebrate.  And once in awhile just for
fun. But really many of us eat cake every day.

Ingredients in a pancake: fat, sugar, eggs, flour

Ingredients in a waffle: fat, sugar, eggs, flour

Ingredients in a muffin: fat, sugar, eggs, flour

Ingredients in coffee cake (wait that name should give it away!): fat, sugar, eggs, flour

Don’t kid yourself. If you’re eating breakfast pastries, pancakes and muffins, you’re eating cake. Maybe it’s missing the sugary frosting, but your body is getting enough simple carbs to spike blood sugar. When you spike blood sugar first thing in the morning, you set yourself up to feel hungry the rest of the morning and cause your body to crave more food. 

So what’s a carb-loving breakfast eater to do? Add fiber and protein. The slow insulin response caused by high carb foods and keep you feeling fuller longer. Add nuts and flaxseed to your breakfast "cakes," spread some almond butter on top and look for whole grain alternatives. Save the cake for your birthday!

Kathy Gillen is a wellness coach and nutritional instructor.  She is passionate about helping people eat well to feel well.  Learn more at www.wellnessroadtrip.com.