This segment on NPR’s Morning Edition caught my attention yesterday because I’ve become somewhat of a breakfast zealot around the house.

When I was in high school, I can remember my mother cooking an egg sandwich for me almost every morning before I left for school. She was adamant about ensuring I began the day with a decent meal. I hated it then because I just wasn’t hungry first thing in the morning, but now I understand her reasoning.

During college and the first couple of years of working, I rarely ate breakfast (unless you count the hung-over “brunch” on weekend mornings in the school cafeteria).

The last two years, though, I’ve started eating breakfast right after I get to work. I’m still not hungry when I first wake up (plus, I prefer sleeping those extra 15 minutes), but by the time the computer is up and running, my tummy’s grumbling and ready for food.

I’ve found it really helps with my focus—and I think making healthy choices (oats and fruit, for example) has led me to choose my office snacks and lunches more wisely, too. A simple, yet nutritious, breakfast really sets the day in motion for me!

• What are your thoughts on the benefits of eating breakfast? 
• Do you always begin your day with a meal?

Now it’s time to move on to What I Ate Wednesday Tuesday.

Breakfast: blueberry-banana overnight oats + the usual mug o’ coffee

Lunch: a strawberry, poppy seed, & chicken salad from Panera Bread (totally didn’t pack a lunch since I thought our work presentation/luncheon was today—it’s Thursday, oops!—but luckily I took off half the day for a doctor’s appointment and errands and was able to grab a bite)

Snack: a really tasty Granny Smith apple

Dinner: farro and roasted Brussels sprouts + sweet potato grain bowl with balsamic dressing (similar to this one), a glass of wine, and a smidge of mint-chocolate chip ice cream for dessert

Happy Hump Day, guys and dolls!