How many times have you heard the saying “Breakfast is the
most important meal of the day”, yet you choose that cup of coffee for
breakfast? Many nutrition experts
agree on the importance of consuming breakfast. In fact eating breakfast can offer you health benefits
throughout the day.
Weight Management
Consuming breakfast as a daily habit can help you lose
weight and keep it off. A common
myth is skipping breakfast will produce weight loss through the avoidance of
extra calories. In reality breakfast skippers tend to feel ravenous during
later hours of the day – leading to unhealthy food choices such as candy bars
and chips from the nearest vending machine. In addition, eating breakfast will boost your
metabolism. When breakfast is
skipped your body will burn fewer calories, in efforts to conserve all it has
for future energy.
weight and keep it off. A common
myth is skipping breakfast will produce weight loss through the avoidance of
extra calories. In reality breakfast skippers tend to feel ravenous during
later hours of the day – leading to unhealthy food choices such as candy bars
and chips from the nearest vending machine. In addition, eating breakfast will boost your
metabolism. When breakfast is
skipped your body will burn fewer calories, in efforts to conserve all it has
for future energy.
Energy
Eating breakfast can provide you much needed energy to start
the day. A healthy breakfast
refuels your body and replenishes needed nutrients. Specifically breakfast
helps to reload blood glucose levels – which act as the source of energy for
your body’s cells. Lack of energy
can lead to lethargy and poor work performance. In certain conditions such as diabetes skipping breakfast can
lead to lower blood glucose levels and ultimately poor supply of glucose to the
brain.
the day. A healthy breakfast
refuels your body and replenishes needed nutrients. Specifically breakfast
helps to reload blood glucose levels – which act as the source of energy for
your body’s cells. Lack of energy
can lead to lethargy and poor work performance. In certain conditions such as diabetes skipping breakfast can
lead to lower blood glucose levels and ultimately poor supply of glucose to the
brain.
Healthier Overall Diet
Studies suggest eating breakfast sets the foundation for
healthier eating habits throughout the day. Typically breakfast eaters consume more vitamins and
minerals – and they eat less fat
and cholesterol during the day – than those who skip breakfast. For those who struggle with consuming
the high amount of fruits and vegetables recommended, breakfast offers an
optimal time to start the intake of these food groups.
healthier eating habits throughout the day. Typically breakfast eaters consume more vitamins and
minerals – and they eat less fat
and cholesterol during the day – than those who skip breakfast. For those who struggle with consuming
the high amount of fruits and vegetables recommended, breakfast offers an
optimal time to start the intake of these food groups.
While eating breakfast is imperative, consuming a healthy
breakfast is even more essential. All
breakfasts should include a protein such as eggs, low fat dairy, nut butters,
or lean meats to provide a complete fullness. Eating high sugar foods such as sugary cereals and donuts
should be limited due to the quick rise in blood sugar they produce. Approximately
an hour after eating a sugary food your blood sugar will decline and you may
start to experience symptoms of hunger.
Conversely fiber will keep you satiated for a longer period of
time. Attempt to include at least
5 grams of fiber in your breakfast through whole grains, oats, fruit, or chia
seeds. Lastly, try to include a
fruit or vegetable with your daily breakfast.
breakfast is even more essential. All
breakfasts should include a protein such as eggs, low fat dairy, nut butters,
or lean meats to provide a complete fullness. Eating high sugar foods such as sugary cereals and donuts
should be limited due to the quick rise in blood sugar they produce. Approximately
an hour after eating a sugary food your blood sugar will decline and you may
start to experience symptoms of hunger.
Conversely fiber will keep you satiated for a longer period of
time. Attempt to include at least
5 grams of fiber in your breakfast through whole grains, oats, fruit, or chia
seeds. Lastly, try to include a
fruit or vegetable with your daily breakfast.
Enjoy!
Your family’s dietitian,
Kristen Smith