Whether from parents, doctors, or scientists, most of us have heard that breakfast is the single most important meal of the day. Television commercials bombard us with images of "healthy" breakfast foods, telling us that we will experience a host of health benefits if we just eat their products. Whether you believe these advertisements or not, the fact remains - studies have consistently shown that eating a healthy breakfast promotes a healthy body and mind.
Yet, despite this wealth of information, nearly 20% of the adult population of the US eats nothing for breakfast at all. Those who do eat often consume foods high in sugar and fat which, of course, are not conducive to a healthy diet. What are the real benefits of eating a good breakfast, and why are they so often overlooked?
Studies have shown both long and short term benefits of breakfast. On one hand, starting the morning with a good meal promotes energy, brain function, and a general good mood throughout the rest of the day. A healthy breakfast "jump-starts" the body's metabolism, and refuels blood glucose, the main source of energy for both the body and the brain. As a result, memory, cognition, concentration, and attention span all increase.
On the other hand, a habit of eating breakfast can, almost paradoxically, promote a healthy body weight and assist in weight loss. Part of the reason is psychological. People who skip breakfast in order to reduce their calorie intake often find themselves hungry for the rest of the day, thus more likely to snack on sugary or fatty foods. Furthermore, because breakfast plays a key role in boosting the body's metabolism, skipping breakfast means that the body remains sluggish, burning calories at a far slower rate. Studies also confirm that people who have proper breakfast habits are also more likely to develop good eating habits in the rest of their lives.
Of course, breakfast is only a beneficial meal if the correct foods are eaten. Breakfast foods that are high in sugar and fat are clearly not the type of foods which promote a healthy lifestyle. When choosing breakfast foods, say experts, focus on essential vitamins and nutrients, particularly carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. If you eat cereal, pay close attention to the nutritional content of the brands that you pick, and stay away from the types which focus more on sugary taste than good health. Also, remember that there are plenty of healthy breakfast options other than cereal. Changing up your menu not only ensures that you don't get tired of breakfast, but also that you get a balanced intake of vital nutrients in the long run.
Joseph Devine
For breakfast recipe ideas, visit http://www.cdkitchen.com.
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