If you’re anything like me, you are afraid of clowns and eat breakfast less than three times a week. We are not alone in our fears, nor are we in our eating habits. More than 20 percent of Americans just don’t eat breakfast, which we all know is the most important meal of the day - especially if you have IC. Whether you eat a large dinner, or you just don’t enjoy eating breakfast, there are many reasons why millions sabotage their morning fuel intake. If your one who does not like eating breakfast, you can easily split it up into two smaller meals. Eat blueberries or a hardboiled egg at home (minus the yolk), and an hour or two later, sneak a pear and a handful of healthy nuts like almonds or walnuts.

On average it takes the body 8 hours to digest a meal, in those 8 hours the body will extract up to 90% of the nutrients. These nutrients may carry you through the night and they may even provide you enough energy to convince yourself you’re not hungry come breakfast. However it is important to remember this is the best way to ensure your getting the vitamins and minerals you need to make it through the day.

When I skip breakfast, I will usually hit a wall that leads to extreme hunger, which then leads to a lack of discipline and ultimately leads me to stuffing my face as if I were the hot dog eating champion of the world. Okay, I do confess that sometimes it’s salty food and sometimes it’s sweet…nevertheless, it creates a craving for things that just aren’t good for you. This panic is why many with IC flare up and assume it’s just better to not eat at all, but this method of avoiding flares leaves your body malnourished, and your brain foggy as if your watching “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire!” Pity there is no influx of cash flow on the days you do devour your breakfast…

Not eating breakfast is as serious a problem as wearing socks with sandals. You may have your reasons for avoiding breakfast AND ignoring good fashion sense, but there is no reason to deprive yourself of a healthy morning meal that won’t irritate your bladder. This is quick and simple! A healthy breakfast would consist of protein and fiber. You can get your protein from low fat meats, eggs, beans or dairy and the fiber can be found in vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. So throw away your excuses, suppress your fears (especially of clowns) and talk your kids into trying some of this before you rush them off to school.

Come to my table on this beautiful morning and join me in a delicious:

Spinach Mushroom Egg White Omelet with Cheese, Blueberry Jam on Crispy Toast and Mint Scented Chamomile Tea

Pinch of kosher salt