Put the fast in breakfast – Don’t let breakfast slow you down, but don’t forget about its multiple benefits

No time for breakfast in the morning? According to the 2008 IFIC Foundation Food & Health Survey, 92 percent of Americans perceive breakfast to be extremely or somewhat important, yet only 46 percent eat breakfast daily.

Since breakfast provides important nutrients and have been linked to healthier body weight, improved academic performance and overall physiological health, it may be the most important meal in your day.

There are many reasons why individuals skip breakfast. Common breakfast pitfalls include not having enough time, inconvenience, not feeling hungry, uncertainty about what to eat and oversleeping. Whatever your reason for skipping breakfast, the benefits of breakfast outweigh the reason.

Benefits of breakfast

Eating breakfast regularly is associated with a multitude of health benefits. Many Americans fall short of meeting the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, but breakfast eaters have higher daily intakes of fiber, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, zinc and iron compared to breakfast skippers.

While many dieters skip breakfast in hopes of losing a few pounds, this strategy typically backfires.

By starting your day with a balanced meal, not only will you improve overall energy levels and focus, but your metabolism will also benefit. In fact, regular breakfast eating is associated with a healthier body weight and has been linked to improved weight management. Additional benefits include improved attention, problem solving and memory recall. With all these known benefits, can you afford to skip breakfast?

More than just cereal

Making breakfast a routine takes dedication, time management and a little creativity.

If you find yourself short on time, consider packing a breakfast to-go. Quick and delicious options include a container of yogurt with a small bag of whole-grain cereal and a piece of fruit, a homemade trail mix of your favorite cereal with dried fruits and nuts and a container of low-fat milk, or even a whole wheat tortilla with a cheese stick and a bunch of grapes.

Remember, there is no rule that you have to eat breakfast immediately after waking up. If you aren’t hungry until a few hours after waking up, consider packing breakfast options for when hunger strikes. This could include a packet of oatmeal, fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, granola bars, dried fruit, Greek yogurt or a breakfast burrito.

By taking the time to fuel up with breakfast, you will be better prepared to face your day with a full stomach and sharp mind.

Marissa Rudley can be reached at [email protected]

 

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