Beloved Breakfast

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No, no, no. Regardless of what the New York Times article says, breakfast isn't overrated! While scanning the headlines, my eyes immediately widened when I saw the word BREAKFAST. I could talk for hours upon hours on how much I love the first meal of the day. It is what gets me out of bed.  

 

Commonly referred to as the most important meal of the day, here's a list of reasons not to listen to the Times and to scramble that egg, butter that toast and crunch that granola: 

 

"Break the fast" 

The way your body responds to not eating overnight is by lowering your metabolic rate.  When you eat in the morning, your metabolism is revved up again. If you choose not to eat breakfast, your body will continue to function with a lower metabolic rate which over time can lead to weight gain. Your body will burn more calories by digesting protein than it will for carbs & fat so make sure your breakfast includes a good source - egg whites, beans, yogurt or nuts.

 

Shiny Happy People

Studies have shown that eating breakfast will increase pulse rate & overall mood. Common breakfast foods that have specifically been shown to improve mood are: eggs, greek yogurt, almond butter, peanut butter, bananas & berries.

 

Remember Me

Our primary brain fuel is glucose that is found in carbohydrates. When the body isn't getting the right amount of carbohydrates it has to rely on stored fuels. Stored glucose is often used up overnight so the body then will have to turn fat & protein into usable fuel. This process will simultaneously slow down other important processes including problem solving ability, concentration & memory.  Foods that are directly correlated with cognitive function are blueberries, avocados, walnuts, cashews, flax seed, sunflower seeds, whole grains & oatmeal.

 

Energy

One of the biggest complaints I hear when counseling patients is that he/she is tired.  I get it, life is tiring.  By deliberately skipping breakfast you are increasing your risk of feeling lethargic.  Make sure your breakfast has a fiber source as a high fiber diet is found to increase energy.  You can also add chia or flax seeds to smoothies & cereals to naturally increase fiber content. 

 

 

See NY Times Article: 

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/08/21/is-breakfast-overrated/?src=me