Follow me on social media, @dr.janine.nd

When it comes to improving your energy, mood, focus, and overall well-being, protein should be your best friend—especially in the morning. Whether you're struggling with fatigue, hormonal concerns, weight gain, or fertility, my first nutritional recommendation for the vast majority of patients is simple: up the protein in your breakfast.

🥓Why Protein at Breakfast?

After not eating all night, your body wakes up with low blood sugar, and it’s craving steady, sustainable fuel to kickstart your day. By including protein in your breakfast, you provide your body with the support it needs to stabilize blood sugar levels, helping you feel energized and balanced throughout the morning.

Protein takes longer to digest than simple carbohydrates, which means it keeps you feeling full and satisfied for longer. This helps you avoid the dreaded mid-morning crash and those pesky cravings that can throw off your focus and productivity.

**Protein: The Building Blocks Your Body Needs**
Protein isn’t just about keeping you full—it’s also essential for **growth, repair, and overall cellular turnover**. The amino acids in protein are used to make enzymes, hormones, muscle, and even neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and dopamine—all of which play a critical role in regulating mood.
If we’re not getting enough protein, our bodies start to break down muscle to compensate. And as we all know, **muscle is essential** for metabolism and maintaining a healthy body.

🎢The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster: Why It Matters

Think about a breakfast of just simple carbohydrates, like a muffin. When you eat that, your blood sugar spikes quickly—too quickly, actually. Your body responds by releasing a large amount of insulin, and your blood sugar drops just as fast. This sudden drop makes you feel hungry, and guess what? Your brain craves more simple carbs to fix the crash.

This creates a cycle—a blood sugar yo-yo. The result? You’ll likely experience cravings, fatigue, lack of focus, and even irritability throughout the day.

On the other hand, a protein-rich breakfast creates a slow, steady rise in blood sugar. This keeps your energy levels stable and helps your body—and brain—stay fueled for longer. Plus, it supports mood and focus throughout the morning, so you're not stuck dealing with that mid-morning slump.

🍳The Breakfast Impact: Set the Tone for Your Day

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it sets the tone for your energy levels and cravings. It’s the choice between starting your day on a blood sugar rollercoaster or with a slow, steady fuel train that will keep you on track.

Give it a try!

Pay attention to how your body feels after a protein-packed breakfast. Notice how your energy, mood, cravings, and focus hold up as the day goes on.

Starting the day right can have a huge impact on how the rest of your day unfolds—and protein is the key to making it happen!

need help figuring out a unique diet to fit your needs?

Take action and let’s figure it out together! Every body has different needs when it comes to nutrition. I’m here to help. Book a visit today to start the conversation!

book a visit today