Sunday, May 25, 2008

First, Breakfast

Yes, breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. Now, here's the benefits to prove it.

Control Your Weight: After you've slept the night, you need to "break" your "fast" as you haven't eaten since the day before. When your body doesn't "break" the overnight "fast", your body begins to conserve energy as it doesn't know the next time you'll decide to eat. In other words, your metabolism slows down and you're burning less calories. When lunch time comes or the next time you eat, you're body is likely to crave energy-dense foods instead of well-balanced meal. The same thing can be said for later meals or snacks.
If you don't eat breakfast to restrict calories, don't because you'll make you for it later in the day and more. Tip: Start eating breakfast to curb you late night snacking.

Better concentration and be more productive throughout the morning: Researchers believe this is due to replenishing glucose, the brain's main energy source. Breakfast is especially important for children and adolescents. According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination. They may also be more alert, creative and less likely to miss days of school. Tip: If you have no time to eat breakfast or don't feel like eating first thing, take a piece of fruit and baggie of high fiber cereal to eat on the way to work.

Consume more vitamins and minerals and less fat and cholesterol during the day.
While the reason is unclear, one study claims that increasing daily eating frequency is associated with consuming more favorable nutrients and fewer less favorable nutrients, such as dietary cholesterol. Tip: Aim for 3 of the 4 food groups at breakfast. For example, glass of milk, piece of fruit, and toast.

Have more strength and endurance. People who eat breakfast — and thus have higher energy levels — may engage in more physical activity than may people who don't eat breakfast. Tip: Make 2 changes at once: Start eating breakfast regularly and start a new fitness activity.



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