It’s not a myth; breakfast really is the most important meal of the day!
Fuel Up First Thing
While the trend these day is to simply skip breakfast because you don’t have time, an appetite, or believe missing that first meal will help you lose weight, this concerning morning movement is doing people more harm than good, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.
You may not feel hungry when you bolt out of bed, but skipping breakfast negatively affects the rest of your day. When you wake up, you haven’t put any fuel in your body for several hours – it’s in essence an empty gas tank. Whether you think it does or doesn’t, your body is craving nourishment after so many hours of receiving none. Breakfast not only satisfies your body’s request for that fuel, it also helps kick-start your metabolism by providing the energy and nutrients you need to start your day off right.
Additional Advantages
Another big advantage of eating breakfast is that starting your day with a sufficient amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals helps you avoid cravings later when you’re tempted to grab something from a vending machine. Those who don’t eat breakfast often make up for the lost calories at other meals by eating more or indulging in less nutritious foods later in the day.
In fact, a study conducted by the National Weight Control Registry at the University of Colorado found that those who had lost and maintained a minimum of 30 pounds for at least one year ate breakfast every day.
The Right Stuff
So eating breakfast in the morning is obviously important, but what’s equally as important is eating the right foods. That morning cup of coffee may taste great and give you that needed A.M. lift, but it’s not nearly enough to fuel and sustain your body over the long-haul. Not by a long shot. To adequately fuel your body, you need to pick options that contain protein, a good source of fat, and a moderate amount of carbohydrates.
By eating well right away, you’ll be less likely to make unhealthy choices later on. Breakfast gives you the energy you require and helps you stick to your weight loss plan. What you prepare doesn’t have to be fancy or take half an hour to make. Simple, quick and easy is fine; just make sure you don’t miss it!
