They say that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, everyone is aware of this but does everyone know why?

This short article looks at some of the reasons why breakfast is important.

I’m sure you have all sjipped breakfast, I know I have and I know, without scientific backup, that it leads into a day of me feeling groggy and searching for high fat / high sugar snacks to quell the impending burn out.

Before taking a car on a long journey it is always recommended to fill up the tank. Running a car low on fuel means that you end up using the remaining fuel less efficiently and running the risk of running out of energy, crashing and ruining your engine. Well… you can say the same for our bodies. Quite simpley put breakfast refuels us for the day ahead.

Equally as important as eating breakfast is making sure that the quality and quantity of your breakfast is just right.

An average body burns between 2500-3500 calories a day so you don’t want to have a full English breakfast, use up your daily calorie limit and fill your body with sleep inducing fat.

I think finding a good solid 300-500 calorie breakfast containing high levels of fibre, protein and a little carbohydrates will set anyone up good for the day. I’ll give some breakfast ideas at the end of the post but now…

The Reasons why you should eat breakfast…

A recent study, of over 2000 boys and girls over 5 years, published in March concluded that breakfast was the most important meal. It showed in adolescents that eating breakfast more often led to a lower Body Mass Index (Basically, less body fat). I suggest you read the full article “Research shows breakfast may be most important meal” for all the details.

When you wake up, your energy and blood sugar is low. Your body has been using energy throughout the day before and the night to repair and get itself ready for the next day. If you eat a healthy breakfast you can give yourself a good level of blood sugar through until lunch, meaning that you may actually be cheerful when you arrive at work. I found a detailed article “http://www.nufit.info/2008/02/02/studies-support-breakfast-is-the-most-important-meal/“about the studies that have been conducted regarding this.

This is more of a personal reason but I think many will benefit. Taking the time to eat breakfast in the morning gives your head time to arrange itself for the day. Coupled with the energy being supplied form the food and a little relaxation before the day starts, it should add to your daily mental wellbeing.

Breakfast Suggestions:

It’s important that your breakfast is healthy and supplied you with decent energy for the day.  You should always try and make sure that you get some fiber, protein and a little carbohydrate and even fat to help sustain throughout the day. These are a few of my personal choices.

1. A regular bowl of cereal with fortified 2% milk, 1 slice of wholemeal toast and thinly spread peanut butter, a glass of orange juice and a piece of fruit.
2. A bowl of oatmeal, with added raisins, cranberries and a little cinnamon. A glass of Pineapple Juice and a piece of fruit.
3. A small bowl of low fat / low sugar natural yogurt with fresh berries, a glass of apple juice, a piece of wholemeal toast lightly spread with low fat cream cheese, and as always a piece of fruit.

It is also recommended that you have a healthy snack during mid morning. A banana and a small handful of unsalted nuts is perfect.

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