For decades, everyone from cartoon characters to stand-up comedians has been extolling the virtues of a healthy breakfast. But is it really the most important meal of the day?
In short, yes!
It’s not hard to understand that after 8–12 hours without food your body is due for some nourishment, but refueling your energy stores isn’t the only benefit of the morning meal—and it’s even more important for those trying to manage their weight. It’s time you found out just what the benefits of breakfast are.
Peak Performance
Studies show that those who eat breakfast have better concentration and problem-solving skills. But the benefits aren’t simply cerebral. Breakfast eaters also exhibit higher strength and endurance levels. On the other hand, lack of breakfast can lead to sluggishness, restlessness, and irritability.
Hunger Control
Eating a sensible breakfast helps set your eating pace for the day and helps you regulate your appetite. It helps keep your hunger in check and reduces the likelihood you’ll opt for high-calorie foods at lunch.
Weight Maintenance
It seems counter-intuitive that you can lose weight by eating, but the fact is that eating breakfast kicks your body out of “fasting” mode and tells it to start using calories at a higher rate. A 2002 study conducted by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center found that eating breakfast was a common characteristic among those who had successfully lost weight.1
Breakfast in a Flash
Breakfast is the most skipped meal of the day, and the number one excuse is lack of time. The benefits of breakfast are real, but you have to make it a priority. One of the easiest ways is to plan or prepare your breakfast the night before (also a great time to pack your lunch). But if you still find yourself pressed for time, here are a few quick-start ideas:
• Grab a FiberWise® Bar or Attain® Bar
• Blend an Attain® Shake with frozen berries
• Shake out a bowl of FiberWise® Strawberry Crunch or Cinnamon Clusters cereal
• Yogurt with dry cereal and blueberries or sliced bananas
• Bran muffin and low-fat yogurt
• Whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana or apple
Don’t Forget
The breakfast routine is also a perfect time to take your Vitality Pack®. No matter how big a hurry you are in, be sure to have breakfast, because your breakfast will help take care of your day.
1. Wyatt HR, Grunwald OK, Mosca CL, Klem ML, Wing RR, Hill JO. Long-term weight loss and breakfast in subjects in the National Weight Control Registry. Obesity Research; 10:78-82, 2002.
This article first appeared as a Wellness Article on the Melaleuca website.
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The study quoted is interesting. I had not thought of it like that. Breakfast really is a “breaking of the fast.” For myself, I know the important thing is that I don’t stuff myself in the morning and end up sluggish. I like blending up a smoothie and throwing ins some ProFlex 20. Nothing wrong with some protein to kick off the day. The better I feel… the better I do.