While an internship is great for the mind, is it really great for the body? You’re working long hours for relatively low to probably no pay at all. This can really take a toll on your health (and your wallet), especially concerning the food that you eat. Grabbing a burger during work is a lot easier than packing a salad or healthy sandwich the night before. Breakfast is obviously one of the most important meals of the day, since every nutritionist and doctor preaches it like an anthem. Bagels and cream cheese are my major weakness, especially when the cream cheese is so abundant that it’s poking out through the bagel hole. But all the carbs and dairy can make an intern really sluggish rather than energetic and exercise can take a backseat when you finish the work day at 7pm and you’ve been on your feet all day. So instead try these healthy breakfast options which are sure to give you an energy boost while keeping that body lean and mean:
Greek yogurt with sliced fruit and Kashi GoLean granola: I am in love with Fage yogurt or even the Chobani brand. Definitely buy the low fat or 1% yogurt because the creaminess is almost sinful. The yogurts are thick and especially filling if you add a bit of granola into it. The fruit is refreshing and cold which can be soothing when you have to wear business black pants on a 90 degree day. Strawberries and blueberries are really great and they both add a little color to the yogurt. If you’re not one for Greek yogurt, go for the Dannon vanilla flavor or even plain.
An egg whites breakfast burrito: A regular bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is loaded with fat, cholesterol, and guilty feelings. Instead, an egg white burrito or omelet is a healthy alternative. The egg whites are low in calories plus they are chock full of protein. I usually add a bit of goat cheese from the farmer’s market for a creamy flavor. You can add whatever vegetables you want like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, or even spinach. All you have to do is scramble the egg whites with the veggies and cheese and wrap it in a whole wheat wrap. This makes it a great to-go option.
A fruity protein shake: A shake is really filling and if made right, it might just make you feel like you’re strolling on the beach (probably not). But still, adding some frozen blueberries, peaches, mangos, bananas, or strawberries (go crazy with the fruit) along with a little bit of OJ and water (you can substitute with milk or just water), lots of ice, and some vanilla soy protein powder (from your local GNC or CVS) will make for a very rejuvenating and cool breakfast.
