What about it? IS breakfast the most important meal of the day?
It depends.
The data show that breakfast eaters are generally healthier and leaner than breakfast skippers. But that may be because the breakfast eaters have healthier lifestyles anyway.
Another important issue to consider is what you are eating for breakfast. A muffin or doughnut as you run out the door in the morning is not contributing to the argument for eating breakfast. The old breakfast staple – cereal – can be added to the poor breakfast choice category. Most cereals today have lots of added sugar, not to mention flavorings and preservatives we may not even be able to pronounce!
Many of the reasons breakfast is supposed to be the most important meal of the day still hold true. Breakfast eaters may:
- find that breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism, helping your burn more calories throughout the day
- tend to have a lower BMI
- consume less fat through the day
- meet recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption
- have higher daily calcium intake
- have higher daily fiber intake
- reduction of “brain fog”
Perhaps one of the most important reasons to eat breakfast is how it affects performance for school-aged children. Children who eat a nutritious breakfast have better memory and attention at school. They may also be less cranky. One study showed that children who ate breakfast had higher test scores.
Lack of available time in the mornings is a common complaint of busy moms who are struggling to get everyone dressed and out of the house on time for school and work.
But lack of time doesn’t have to be an issue. It simply takes a little planning. Breakfast doesn’t have to be a full sit-down meal every day.
Here are a few nutritious breakfast ideas that are nutritious and time-savers:
- Mason jar oatmeal breakfasts prepared the night before and refrigerated.
- Whole-grain cereals with fresh fruit
- Fresh fruit and raw nuts
- Hard-cooked eggs (commonly referred to as boiled eggs, although boiling actually toughens them)
- Smoothies with high-quality protein powder and fresh fruits or vegetables
- Greek yogurt with fresh fruit for added sweetness and raw nuts for crunchiness
- High-fiber whole grain toast with natural nut butter
What if you don’t feel hungry in the morning? Then you shouldn’t stress over it. Just be sure to eat nutritious foods at other meals throughout the day.
Some people skip breakfast because their eating patterns include intermittent fasting, which has been shown to be a healthy way to manage your weight.
Take a look at this video. My husband demonstrates one of his favorite quick and easy breakfast options.
Are you a breakfast eater? What concerns do you have about eating breakfast?
Whether or not you eat breakfast is not as important as optimizing your nutritional choices in other meals throughout the day.
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I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our March – June foods extravaganza!!
