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a photo of a woman enjoying a bowl of cereal

Getty Images. EatingWell design.

An intentional morning routine can set the tone for the entire day, especially when that routine includes a nourishing breakfast. The foods you choose to eat can significantly impact your energy levels, focus and overall well-being. A high-protein breakfast is a great way to kick-start your day and your metabolism, keeping you satisfied and providing sustained energy until your next meal.Preparing yourself a high-protein breakfast doesn’t have to be difficult—it can be as easy as adding a variety of nuts to your cereal. Not only do nuts enhance the nutritional profile of your meal, but they also add a variety of flavors and textures that make breakfast more satiating and enjoyable.

The #1 High-Protein Ingredient You Should Be Adding to Your Overnight Oats, According to a Dietitian

The Importance of Protein

Did you know that protein is an important macronutrient that plays an impactful role in the body? It’s often referred to as the building block due to its ability to build and repair tissues. From your muscles to your skin, your body relies on protein to repair and maintain tissues, especially after exercise or an injury.

In addition to building and repairing tissues, protein produces enzymes, which are the catalysts for all the chemical reactions in the body, including energy production and digestion. It also helps create hormones that regulate everything from growth and metabolism to mood and the body’s stress response. Without enough protein, these processes would not be able to function properly.

Protein also supports immune function. Your immune system relies on proteins, specifically antibodies, to defend your body against harmful viruses and bacteria. Consuming adequate protein ensures that your body can produce these essential components to keep your immune system working properly.

What Happens to Your Body When You Don’t Eat Enough Protein

Why a Protein-Rich Breakfast Matters

25 High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Make Forever

Why Add Nuts to Your Cereal?

Nuts provide several nutritious benefits, including a rich source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. By adding nuts to your cereal, you not only increase the protein content but also the overall nutritional value.

But adding nuts to your cereal doesn’t just boost the protein content; it also enhances the overall eating experience. Nuts provide a satisfying crunch and contain natural oils that can elevate and transform a simple bowl of cereal into a more fulfilling and enjoyable breakfast experience.

Here are a few great options to add to your cereal:

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Nuts Every Day

The Bottom Line

Starting your day with a high-protein breakfast is a great choice for maintaining energy, managing hunger and supporting weight maintenance and metabolic health. Adding a variety of nuts to your cereal is an easy and delicious way to enhance the nutritional value while providing an enjoyable mix of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer the crunch of almonds, the richness of walnuts or the creaminess of cashews, there’s a nutty combination to suit every palate.

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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Gonçalves B, Pinto T, Aires A, Morais, et al.Composition of nuts and their potential health benefits—an overview.Foods. 2023 Feb 23;12(5):942. doi: 10.3390/foods12050942de Souza RGM, Schincaglia RM, Pimentel GD,  Mota JF.Nuts and human health outcomes: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2017 Dec 2;9(12):1311. doi: 10.3390/nu9121311U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, almonds, whole, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, cashew nuts, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, pecans, halves, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, pistachio nuts, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, walnuts, English, halves, raw.

Sources

EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Gonçalves B, Pinto T, Aires A, Morais, et al.Composition of nuts and their potential health benefits—an overview.Foods. 2023 Feb 23;12(5):942. doi: 10.3390/foods12050942de Souza RGM, Schincaglia RM, Pimentel GD,  Mota JF.Nuts and human health outcomes: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2017 Dec 2;9(12):1311. doi: 10.3390/nu9121311U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, almonds, whole, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, cashew nuts, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, pecans, halves, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, pistachio nuts, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, walnuts, English, halves, raw.

EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Gonçalves B, Pinto T, Aires A, Morais, et al.Composition of nuts and their potential health benefits—an overview.Foods. 2023 Feb 23;12(5):942. doi: 10.3390/foods12050942de Souza RGM, Schincaglia RM, Pimentel GD,  Mota JF.Nuts and human health outcomes: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2017 Dec 2;9(12):1311. doi: 10.3390/nu9121311U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, almonds, whole, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, cashew nuts, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, pecans, halves, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, pistachio nuts, raw.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, walnuts, English, halves, raw.

Gonçalves B, Pinto T, Aires A, Morais, et al.Composition of nuts and their potential health benefits—an overview.Foods. 2023 Feb 23;12(5):942. doi: 10.3390/foods12050942

de Souza RGM, Schincaglia RM, Pimentel GD,  Mota JF.Nuts and human health outcomes: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2017 Dec 2;9(12):1311. doi: 10.3390/nu9121311

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, almonds, whole, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, cashew nuts, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, pecans, halves, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, pistachio nuts, raw.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Data Central.Nuts, walnuts, English, halves, raw.