Importance of Breakfast

People tend to skip breakfast for many different reasons. "I don't have time in the morning," "I'm not hungry," etc. etc. What people don't always realize is that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Just like the word says, you are "breaking the fast" that occurs when you are sleeping. Here are a few important facts to consider when you're thinking about skipping that first meal.

1. Breakfast helps boost your metabolism because your body has to digest the food you eat, just as eating smaller meals throughout the day will boost your metabolism instead of 3 large ones.

2. Children who eat breakfast tend to do better in school, pay better attention, are more creative, and score higer on tests. This can have the same effect for you at work.

3. Eating breakfast prevents binging in the afternoon, and therefore helps with weight management. A lot of people think that if they skip breakfast, they save calories and can afford to eat more later. This usually leads to binging on foods that are most likely unhealthy for you.

Here are some tips for those of you who don't think you "have enough time" in the morning to make breakfast.

1. Lay out what you plan on eating the night before. If it's a bowl of cereal, lay out the bowl, spoon, and cereal box out on the counter.

2. Chop up vegetables the night before so you won't have to when you're making that egg omelette in the morning.

3. Buy individual yogurt containers and wash/cut up fruit in advance. It only takes a few seconds to grab it and go if you're in a rush.

*You wouldn't drive your car without fueling up first would you? Then why would you not fuel up your body? A little bit of breakfast is better than no breakfast.

p.s. Here is a delicious recipe to try that's healthy and quick! Make them the night before and heat them up in the morning. Great combination of healthy carbs and protein!

3/4 cup egg whites
3/4 cup oatmeal
1 tbsp. cottage cheese
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. Sugar free maple syrup (optional)
1/4 cup blueberries (optional)

*Mix all ingredients together and cook like a pancake!