The Most Important Meal of the Day
Over the past few weeks I found that quite a few people still don’t eat breakfast! So I thought I would remind you of the many reasons why breakfast is still the most important meal of the day for your health and fitness.
Maintain Muscle:
After a night of sleep, your body is in breakdown mode, especially when it comes to muscle proteins. It’s key to refresh your muscle cells with amino acids—the building blocks of protein. Aim for 20 to 25 grams of high-quality protein along with a dose of 50 to 100 grams of carbs to replenish the fuel your muscles need.
Control Weight
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Many studies have shown that people who eat breakfast maintain a healthier body weight and have less body fat than those who skip a morning meal. Research also shows that establishing a routine of eating breakfast can help you make wiser choices and cut calorie intake later in the day.
Power Your Brain:
Circulating carbohydrates (blood sugar) are critical fuel for your brain. Studies have shown that for both kids and adults, operating on no breakfast short-changes thinking power and can affect math skills, reading comprehension, and memory. Studies with children also show that breakfast eaters tend to behave better at school and have more conducive social skills. This will more than likely be the same with adults, I am sure we all know a grumpy morning family member or co-worker!
Improve Your Diet:
Breakfast eaters tend to have a better overall diet than breakfast skippers, and a greater intake of essential nutrients, like protein, fibre, calcium, potassium, and iron. Even opting for a basic bowl of cold cereal (topped with milk of one sort or another) and fruit results in improved intakes of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other vitamins and minerals.
Reduce Disease Risk
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People who eat breakfast tend to have lower cholesterol levels, which translates to a reduced risk for heart disease. For example, those who choose an oat based option, take in more soluble fibre, which may lower harmful LDL levels and morning egg eaters are shown to have cholesterol levels that are healthier than those who skip breakfast altogether.
Eating a meal first thing in the a.m. also helps regulate your blood sugar levels, which may help explain why some evidence shows that breakfast eaters have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
So in summary, don’t skip the most important meal of the day. It really does set you up in more ways than one!
