By Mary Ann Cockram, MS, RD Your metabolism is like a fire in a fireplace; it needs fuel to keep it going. When you don't eat breakfast, you may feel the need to overeat to get the fire going again. As you consider the importance of breakfast, here are some healthy ways to start off your day.
Why Is Breakfast Important?
When you sleep, you are essentially fasting for six to eight hours. If you don't break that fast with a morning meal, your body will be low on energy. As your body's metabolism continues to drop, you may get the urge to snack heavily or overeat at your next meal. Several studies have shown that people who skip breakfast have a higher body mass index (a weight-to-height ratio used to assess health) than those who eat breakfast.
How Does Breakfast Impact Health?
Eating a nutritious breakfast low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber may help you:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Improve heart health
- Manage your diabetes
- Feel full longer
- Stay alert and focused
What Makes a Healthy Breakfast?
To improve your daily diet, build a breakfast from a variety of food groups, such as whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, fruit, and high-fiber, low-fat cereals. When you don't have time for a full breakfast, find a simple alternative that provides complete nutrition, such as ready-to-eat cereals or oatmeal. Or try making a quick and easy beverage using Ensure® products, such as Banana Blusher, Berrynana, or Fuzzy Navel.
Remember, daily nutrition begins with breakfast and you owe it to yourself to make time for it. If you're wondering how to find a more convenient, more nutritious breakfast, you can chat live with a nutritionist using our instant messenger to get expert advice in a flash.