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Three Breakfast Foods That Are Stressing You Out

If you experience that mid-morning crash then you are going to want to know what three foods to stay away from in the morning. They say breakfast is the most…

General Mills Reports Lower Than Expected Quarterly Earnings

SAN RAFAEL, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: Boxes of General Mills’ Honey Nut Cheerios are displayed at Scotty’s Market on September 20, 2017 in San Rafael, California. General Mills reported a lower than expected first quarter earnings as yogurt and cereal sales slump. The company had a net income of $405 million in the first quarter missing analysts estimates of $446 million. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

If you experience that mid-morning crash then you are going to want to know what three foods to stay away from in the morning.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it can be, if you’re eating the right things. Weel, according to Mind Body Green and Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef and nutrition expert, explains that fueling the body and brain appropriately at breakfast is the key to all-day focus, clarity and energy. There are excellent food options for doing that, but it turns out, a lot of our go-tos for our morning meal are not so great.

According to Dr. Naidoo, these are the worst breakfast foods for your brain:

  • All-fruit smoothies - Smoothies can be an easy, portable way to load up on proteins and plant-based nutrients, but a lot of smoothies are just sweet milkshakes in disguise, including ones that are only made of fruit. You need fat and protein in there to avoid a blood sugar spike, which can cause a crash hours later that results in fatigue, anxiety and irritability.
  • Loaded coffees - Coffee is a morning staple for many of us, but if you’re a fan of fancy coffee drinks, you could be sipping artificial flavors, refined sugars and dairy, which can increase inflammation in the body and brain. And inflammation is linked to increased symptoms of psychiatric illness and impaired cognition.
  • Cereals - Sure, it’s quick and easy, which is appealing for busy mornings, but the kind of cereal you eat can make a difference in cognitive function for the rest of the day. Dr. Naidoo recommends one with whole grains, nuts, healthy fats and tons of fiber, with low sugar.
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North Carolina Spot Makes Yelp’s Top Benedict In Every State List

I had no idea until I happened upon this story that April is National Brunch Month. Ahhh, brunch is that perfect combo of breakfast and lunch for those of us who like to sleep in yet still dine on "breakfasty" type foods. I always catch grief from our fellow brunchers because I rarely choose traditional breakfast foods. And, I usually lean savory rather than sweet. Although, I do love some fluffy pancakes.  But Yelp helps us navigate brunch with their "top benedict in every state list."

I like breakfast to be a little more adventurous than the typical eggs and bacon. And, I like some spice if it's available. And, benedicts fall into the more interesting category. So, when I saw Yelp ranked the top benedict in every state I had to check on North Carolina and South Carolina.

In checking out the complete list, I took note of those neighboring states as well. And, of course I had to throw my two cents in with a pick for North Carolina and South Carolina from my personal experience. Plus, I'll go ahead and tell you that I like a benedict with a little bit of a Southern twist. So, feel free to take a look at the complete list from Yelp for every state. But, we'll start with the North Carolina breakfast spot making Yelp's top benedict in every state list.

1. North Carolina: Sunrise Grill in Boone

Sunrise Grill is located on NC 105 in beautiful Boone, North Carolina. And, in looking at the website I can certainly see why it made Yelp's top benedict in every state list. Benedicts appear to be the specialty at Sunrise Grill. They offer at least four different varieties, including the traditional. But, others look amazing featuring smoked salmon or brisket and even flank steak. There's one with spinach and another on a biscuit with sausage patties. I'm in!

2. South Carolina: Lost Dog Cafe in Folly Beach

The Lost Dog Cafe, Folly Beach tops Yelp's list of top benedicts in every state for South Carolina. Their website says "we like to think Lost Dog Cafe is to Folly as biscuit is to gravy" They're located on West Huron Ave. Folly Beach. And, the International Eggs Benedict I saw on their menu pleases me just fine. It includes Canadian bacon, fried green tomatoes and of course poached eggs with hollandaise sauce. Lost Dog also has plenty of other Southern favorites on the menu, too!

3. Georgia: The Collins Quarter in Savannah

The Collins Quarter in Savannah made the list of top benedict in every state for Georgia.  The description of their Eggs Benedict on the menu includes, pancetta, arugula, rosemary garlic potato roasti's and an option of smoked salmon.  In browsing other items I think if I did go sweet, I'd choose the "Cannoli French Toast."  Wow.  They have two locations, and in looking at the Forsyth location it seems they offer a crab cake benedict.  This spot seems like a solid choice either way!

4. Tennessee: Eggstravaganza Cafe in Antioch

Eggstravaganza Cafe's website says the concept came from a passion for fusing different flavors and cuisine.  The benedict looks pretty straightforward and delicious.  A quick look around shows Shakshuka, French Toast, Skillets, Crepes, Pancakes, Pierogies and more.  It seems they live up to their concept of flavors from around the world.  It appears to be another solid choice from Yelp's top benedict in every state list.

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5. Virginia: Bay Local Eatery, Virginia Beach

Bay Local Eatery in Virginia Beach made Yelp's top benedict in the state of Virginia.  Their "Original Benedict" includes black forrest ham, poached eggs and hollandaise over a toasted English muffin with home fries, garlic parmesan tots or cheese grits.  They also offer a version with fried oysters or crab cakes or the fried chicken bennie as well as a smoked salmon variety or the smoked sausage or veggie kind.  According to their website, the owner spent years living and working around the water in the region.  And, they describe their style as "coastal southern."

6. North Carolina (My Pick): Stack's Kitchen, Waxhaw

And, now we get to my picks!  We love Stack's Kitchen on Broome St. in Waxhaw.  And, they also have a location in Matthews.  But, it's just good, friendly home cooking.  And, Stack's serves breakfast all day.  Of course, the traditional breakfast items are done right here.  And, if  you're looking for great pancakes and french toast you'll find it.  But, they have several benedicts.  And, my favorite is the Country Benedict.  It's a homemade biscuit with sausage patty, topped with scrambled eggs and country gravy.  It's amazing and enough for at least two people!  They're open each day until 3 p.m.  And, they just might be my choice for one of the top benedicts in the state.

7. South Carolina (my pick): Blueberry's Grill, North Myrtle Beach

This isn't the first time I've written about my love of Blueberry's Grill in North Myrtle Beach.  They serve great breakfast until 3 p.m.  And, I love all their skillet specialties.  Plus, they have great chicken and waffles and bloody mary's.  But, I think they have some of the top benedicts in the state.  The variety is amazing ranging from smoked salmon to chorizo to pork belly and crab cake benedicts.  And, they also have a Country Benedict with bacon or sausage on biscuits with fried green tomatoes.  This one's always a winner for any beach visit.

LauRen Merola Strager is a former NFL & NBA cheerleader turned radio host. LauRen is a former Miss Pennsylvania USA and is a proud wife and mother of two. She is the owner and chief editor for her fashion and lifestyle Blog “All Of The F-Words” and is a champion for the Autism community. You can read all about LauRen’s thoughts on motherhood, pageant life, and everyday life through her online content.