Top Of The Morning

I always cringe when I run into someone who says they don't eat breakfast. I ask why, but they never have a reasonable answer. I mean, if you think by not eating breakfast you'll lose weight, you are sadly mistaken. And don't give me the excuse of not having enough time, get up a few minutes earlier and fix yourself something to eat. Listen, the benefits of eating a sound breakfast out way any small perceived benefit you get from not eating one.

I know that you've heard it and it's true. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It sets the metabolic functions to work, helps the bowels start moving, and it gives you the energy to start your day off right. Most people tend to eat their biggest meal in the evening, this is a recipe for disaster. Or at least massive weight gain. The best advice is also the oldest advice on diet, "Eat like a king in the morning, a prince at lunch, and a pauper at dinner." Now I didn't come up with that adage, but it still rings as true today as it did when it was first spoken.

The morning meal usually breaks a fast (thus the name breakfast) that has lasted anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. Fasting puts your body in a catabolic state.(muscle wasting) To compensate for this effect, the body stores calories(fuel) as fat to prevent the body from shutting down due to lack of energy. This is why people who only eat one or two big meal a day tend to gain weight. The body stores the food(fuel) as fat(energy) because it doesn't know when more fuel is coming. So it's important to not only eat breakfast, but to also eat consistently throughout the day.

If that's not enough, studies show that kids who skip breakfast perform worse in school than kid who don't. Understanding the importance and function of foods will also help kids make better choices in determining what to eat.

A nutritious breakfast provides energy to face the day ahead, both physically and mentally. If you're in too much of a hurry to make breakfast some mornings, a breakfast shake is a good alternative. Breakfast doesn't have to be traditional. I often eat salmon and spinich for breakfast. So do yourself a favor and eat breakfast, your body will thank you for it. Thanks for your ear and keep reading!