Is breakfast really that important? YES, and here’s why. Mom was right. Breakfast is an important way to start the day, for kids and adults alike. Skipping breakfast can lead to erratic eating patterns throughout the day, indulgence in more junk food and ultimately, weight gain. Here are three benefits of eating breakfast:
1. Jump-Starts the Gut: Studies show that people who begin the day with a balanced breakfast of protein, carbs, and fiber tend to eat less junk food during the day because it primes the brain and gut to expect (and crave) nutritious food for the rest of the day.
2. Jump-Starts the Brain: When you sleep, you’re fasting. Breaking your fast revs up your metabolism, and perks up the brain. Eating a nutritious breakfast and feeding your neurotransmitters, the neurochemical messengers that rev up your brain and steady your moods will help you feel energized and relaxed during the day.
3. Keeps You Lean: Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight! Studies show that breakfast eaters are leaner because by “front-loading,” they prepare their bodies for the rest of the day.
Before you reach for the coffee and donut, it’s important to understand that all breakfasts are not created equal! A coffee and donut, or even a bowl of many popular
A healthy start to your day includes Green and Yellow Light foods with the right balance of complex carbohydrates and proteins to both stimulate and relax the brain for optimal performance. Protein perks up the brain and, because the body takes longer to digest protein than carbs, it helps you stay comfortably full for a longer period. A high-fiber breakfast of slow-release carbs prevents midmorning crashes and sugar cravings.
If cereal is your go-to, be sure to look for the following:
- Cereal made from whole grains
- At least 3 grams of protein per serving
- Less than 6 grams of sugar per serving
- At least 3 grams of fiber per serving
- No hydrogenated oils, artificial preservatives, artificial colors, or high fructose corn syrup
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast idea, try my Winter Squash Hash. If you don’t have winter squash you can substitute it for sweet potatoes. This recipe is one of my family’s weekend favorites. Enjoy!
