A series of foods and drinks are the enemies of breakfast

Not only is breakfast good for your health, it can also help you lose weight. According to a study from the American Weight Control Registry, 78% of people who lose weight and keep it off eat breakfast every day.

But it's not just about breakfast, it's also about what you're eating. And if you're choosing unhealthy foods and drinks, you're unwittingly undermining your health.

Below is a series of foods and drinks that nutritionists recommend you should definitely skip in the morning.

Sugary breakfast cereals

“Starting your day with a bowl of cereal will leave you feeling hungry later because most cereals are made with refined flour, meaning they are low in fiber,” says Kelli McGrane, a registered dietitian in the US.

Additionally, they tend to be high in sugar and low in protein. Keep in mind that even cereals that claim to be made from whole grains often contain very little actual whole grains.”

Sausage

“Although sausages are a popular breakfast or weekend brunch food, they are not the most nutritious choice in the morning,” says nutritionist Roxana Ehsani.

Sausages are made from ground meat, fat, spices, flavorings, and binders, and tend to be high in sodium (foods high in sodium can raise blood pressure and therefore do not support a healthy heart or healthy blood pressure), high in saturated fat (foods high in saturated fat can raise bad LDL cholesterol), and high in overall calories.

Processed meats like hot dogs have been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases and cancer.

Instead of choosing sausage in the morning, why not choose something else rich in protein like eggs or nut butters like almond, sunflower seed butter.”

Fruit juice

Many people want to get a quick dose of vitamin C or nutrients in the morning, but juicing isn't the way to go.

When you drink juice, you remove all the fiber but still get all the sugar and calories. Drinking a glass of orange juice is equivalent to eating about 5-6 oranges and over 300 calories. “Too much sugar from fruit can also lead to weight gain, sugar cravings, and energy crashes,” says Amy Shapiro, founder of Real Nutrition and registered dietitian for Daily Harvest.

Skip the juice and drink smoothies instead. This way you retain all the natural fiber from the plants, which keeps you full longer and slows digestion.”

Flavored yogurt

“Plain yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is a great choice in the morning because it's high in protein and calcium,” says McGrane.

However, stay away from fat-free flavored yogurts, as most brands make up for the lack of sugar by adding more sugar. One cup of this yogurt is equivalent to a large serving of ice cream.”

Cake

Possessing an eye-catching appearance and delicious taste, cakes are full of carbohydrates that make you feel full for a short time but then fall into a state of lethargy and hunger immediately.

In addition, some pastries are also high in saturated fat, which leads to high cholesterol and clogged arteries. In general, one pastry is equivalent to 5-7 slices of regular bread.

In fact, most cakes are higher in calories, saturated fat, and sugar than some other cupcakes. They also tend to be low in protein and don't keep you full for long.

Flavored Coffee

“I love my morning coffee,” says Maggie Michalczyk, registered dietitian at Once Upon a Pumpkin. “However, most flavored coffee drinks are loaded with calories and sugar, with little to no other nutrients.

Not to mention that drinking coffee in the morning can leave you feeling jittery from the lack of sugar soon after. Instead of coffee, I recommend making a coffee smoothie at home with banana, almond butter, and a little raw honey.”