We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day; but is it really? What is it about breakfast that is so important and should we really try to eat breakfast every day? Today we will look into answering these questions and learn about some of the nutritional benefits of eating a good breakfast.
Benefit #1: Gives Your Body Energy:
Since you have been asleep all night, it is necessary to wake your body up once you get out of bed. Eating a nutrient dense breakfast will help to give your body the jump start that it needs. Be aware of high sugary, processed foods as these are loaded with preservatives and the bad type of carbohydrates which will plumate your energy and leave you hungry well before lunch time.
Benefit #2: Help You Lose Weight
It is an unhealthy habit to starve yourself to lose weight. You should consume meals with more nutrients and less calories in order to lose weight. Eating breakfast actually helps to jumpstart your metabolism in the morning. It is telling your body that there will be enough calories for the day and will jumpstart your metabolism. If you skip breakfast your body conserves energy instead of burning energy. Breakfast should be rich in foods containing vitamins, proteins, and omega 3 fatty acids.
Benefit #3: Controls Your Appetite
To avoid overeating you need to control your appetite. You can help prevent overeating later in the day by eating a good, nutrient rich breakfast. Nutritionists recommend high fiber cereals, dairy products, or eggs which will keep you fuller longer and will help to prevent overeating throughout the day.
Benefit #4: Strengthen Bones
Consuming dairy products can aid in avoidance of bone problems. Your body needs plenty of calcium in order to sustain good bone health. Something as simple as incorporating egg whites, milk, yogurt, or cheese into your breakfast can strengthen your bones and help ward off age-related bone diseases.
Benefit #5: Healthy Skin and Hair
A Breakfast packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein promote skin elasticity and collagen. These two factors are essential for preventing premature aging without hurting your skin. Hair needs protein to grow. Breakfast is a perfect time to incorporate more protein into your diet. Nutrients absorbed via natural sources are said to be more beneficial for hair growth as compared to using supplements.
Benefit #6: Promotes Good Digestion
Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient for good gut health. This nutrient is necessary in regulating bowel movements and decreasing stomach inflammation. It can also help to reduce/eliminate indigestion problems. Remember when adding dietary fiber into your diet, do so in slow increments to avoid upsetting your gastrointestinal tract.
To Recap: When choosing what to eat for breakfast, try to eat whole foods that are full of nutrients. Some good examples include: eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, and whole wheat toast. Try to limit sugary cereals, white bread, and other highly processed foods.
Happy Eating!
**Information derived from Natural Food Series.com*
