Breakfast is the meal of the day that is most often skipped. It is probably the most important meal of the day. Not only does it help with weight management, but it fuels the body to provide energy, and allows for better concentration throughout the day. It helps curb the appetite throughout the day by preventing any binge eating or constant snacking. If breakfast is skipped, larger meals are usually eaten at lunch and dinner. Typically, 1/3 of the day's calories should be consumed at breakfast. This allows for less calories to be consumed during the rest of the day, thereby preventing the body from having to play catch up for lost calories.
It is the first chance the body has to replenish its glucose levels. They are usually used up after 8 - 12 hours without eating a meal or snack. Glucose is essential in providing energy/fuel to the brain in order to function properly.
Now... which breakfast would be the breakfast of your choice?
A)
B) 
B) C)
D)
D)A six-year study was performed where mental and physical efficiency was compared in a group of adults. Some ate a supposed healthy breakfast where others did not eat breakfast. As the day progressed, those who did not eat breakfast were less efficient. Their productivity improved after lunch. However, at the end of the day, their overall work completion was slower.
It has been found that in children who do not eat breakfast or a well-balanced breakfast tend to be less attentive, have less energy, and usually eat more snack/junk food during the day. A registered dietician from Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, ON, Canada suggests the following as an easy and nutritious breakfast:
- Toaster waffles, low in fat, topped with fresh fruit, add a glass of low-fat milk.
Why no fat? Isn't it fat that makes us feel more full?
Some excuses for not eating breakfast in the morning (with possible solutions):
- "I don't have time" - prepare stuff the night before
- "I'm not hungry" - don't eat a large meal late at night or any late night snacking
- "I'm trying to lose weight" - gimme a break! The total opposite will happen. Refer to above.
- "I don't like eggs or grains" - you don't need to eat traditional breakfast foods. Have left-overs.
- "I can't stomach anything solid early in the day" - make a breakfast shake/smoothie. Just type in breakfast shake or breakfast smoothie into google and you will get an abundant hits.
Be sure NOT to only eat carbohydrates for breakfast. For example, just a bagel, toast, fruit, etc. Sure it may make you "feel" full at the beginning, but your insulin levels are increasing without anything there to balance it out (i.e. protein and fat). When the carbs that you have eaten get used up, you get hungry again and you brain wants more fuel. If you don't eat a balanced meal at your next meal, the whole process repeats itself and you get fat.
Remember to eat breakfast every day. It's the best way to jumpstart your body and day.
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