We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Often times those who are trying to lose weight are told never to skip breakfast. Some newer research has found that eating a big breakfast can just add calories to your day and that actually skipping breakfast can be a way to reduce calorie intake for the day. So let’s take a closer look at what we really know about breakfast habits and how they impact nutrition and weight loss.
We know that people who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight. We also know from data collected by the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) that over 90% of successful dieters usually eat breakfast (Successful means that they have lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off for a long period of time – not a crash diet and then yo-yo back again). Successful weight management is a lot more then just eating breakfast. The NWCR shows those that eat breakfast regularly (the successful dieters) also exercise more regularly. So eating breakfast is more likely a common trait among those that maintain a healthy weight. So saying no to extra portion sizes and desert has as much to do weight management as also saying yes to breakfast. But just eating breakfast does not instantly make you a regular exerciser and a healthy, disciplined eater.
So as long as your total intake over the course of the day is balanced, nutritious and allows you to maintain a healthy weight, you can be flexible on the first meal of the day. But if you are struggling with your weight or find it difficult to control the quantity or quality of your food choices, thing about changing your breakfast habit to see if it makes a difference. Healthy quick breakfast choices can be: hard-boiled egg, whole grain toast with peanut butter, fruit, yogurt, oatmeal or whole grain breakfast bar. In the end it doesn’t matter what the latest guru or fad that has worked for others. What counts is what works for you.
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