It’s been said that “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
However, many don’t know exactly why the morning meal can dictate the kind of day that’s ahead.
“The word breakfast literally means to break the overnight fast,” said Nutrition Manager Ann Huang. “When you eat breakfast just after waking up, the meal replenishes the energy stores that have been depleted during the night.”
Eating breakfast generates the energy a body needs to start the day with enough fuel to run efficiently.
“Skipping breakfast is just like trying to drive a car with no gas,” said Huang. “Also, eating breakfast can help promote weight loss.”
Not eating upon waking forces the body to draw from energy stores in fat and muscle. The stress hormones that breakdown the fat and muscle tissue have been known to cause irritability, fatigue, lack of focus.
Skipping breakfast can also slow the metabolism. Slowing metabolism results in the body storing food from the next meal as fat much easier.
“But don’t just grab a donut or slice of last night’s pizza as you run out the door, what you eat is as important as not skipping the meal,” Huang said. “The correct balance of protein, fat, and carbs helps the brain function at maximum capacity. And don’t forget to drink water in the morning.”
Whole grains, dairy and other proteins such as eggs or peanut butter, and fruit are the key ingredients to starting the day right.
Try these sample meals for breakfast:
- Natural granola cereal, low-fat yogurt and an apple
- Scrambled eggs, whole-wheat toast, orange juice
- Low-fat cream cheese on a whole-grain bagel with orange juice
- Low-fat cheese melted on whole-wheat toast with a piece of fresh fruit
- Peanut butter and banana slices on a whole-wheat English muffin with low-fat milk