Power of Breakfast

What is Breakfast?

Breakfast means different things to different people. For some, breakfast is a heavy meal which takes a while to prepare and eat, for others, it is a quick and easy affair which does not weigh you down in the morning. And there are some people for whom breakfast does not involve even sitting down but can be grabbed on the go and eaten on the way to school or work. Yet, despite the variety of ingredients and preparation styles of this morning meal, its importance in your day and in your diet remains constant and vital.

Reasons to eat Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it give you energy to start a new day, but is also linked to many health benefits, including weight control and improved mental performance. That’s the power of breakfast!

Here are some of the ways breakfast powers your day:

1. Give your body that first spark of energy

Most of us don’t like the idea of fasting, but we do fast for 10-12 hours almost every day. That’s because when you sleep every night, you aren’t just resting your body, you’re also not eating for a fairly long time. So when you wake up, it’s only natural to feel hungry. Breakfast is the perfect way to give your body the nourishment it needs and get your metabolism up and running. Once your body is full of energy, your brain feels alert and prepared to face the day.

2. Keep your mind active and on the go

Eating breakfast is the simplest way to put your brain and body into gear in the morning and stay alert for several hours thereafter. In fact, research has shown that breakfast goes beyond just helping you to stay alert.

3. Boost your nutrient intake

A nutritious breakfast gives you the essential vitamins and minerals, at the right time. This gives your body the nutrients it needs to face daily challenges. Children and adults who eat breakfast get more fiber, calcium, vitamin A, C, riboflavin, zinc and iron in their diet. On the other hand, kids who skip breakfast end up with lowered intakes of vitamin A, E, C, B6 and B12, folate, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and dietary fiber. And studies show that nutrients lost by skipping breakfast are rarely made up in other meals during the day.

4. Manage your weight

Keeping your waistline and weight trim isn’t only about eating less. It’s also about eating the right things, at the right time. Breakfast is one such meal. A large number of studies show that people who have breakfast regularly are less predisposed to being overweight and obese. In fact, these people also have a lower Body Mass Index and healthier body weights. Breakfast goes beyond fuelling our bodies. It also fuels the right habits in us. Children and adolescents who eat breakfast are more likely to make healthier food choices and less likely to snack on high fat and sugary foods.

5. Great way to stay in a good mood

Meditation isn’t the only way to maintain your calm. Eating a healthy breakfast every day can also do the trick. Recent research has shown that eating breakfast cereal regularly is associated with lower stress levels and better physical and mental health.

MYTHS AND FACTS

1. Weight Management

Myth: Skipping breakfast is a good way to lose weight because it simply means lesser calories consumed in a day.

Fact: Not true. People who eat breakfast tend to have a lower Body Mass Index and are less likely to be overweight

2. Overall nutrition

Myth: "I think skipping breakfast is okay. So what if I miss nutrients in the morning? I can always make up for the nutrients missed at breakfast later in the day."

Fact: Unfortunately, nutrients missed at breakfast do NOT get compensated for during other meals in the day.

3. Breakfast & performance

Myth: "Skipping breakfast doesn’t really make a difference to my mental performance."

Fact: Sadly, it does. Studies say that eating breakfast has been known to enhance mental performance among children and adults.

4. Mood

Myth: "I don’t think eating breakfast can impact my mood, stress levels and overall happiness."

Fact: Smile - because breakfast can! Eating breakfast helps keep you stay calmer, happier and less stressed.

5. Types of breakfast - Food groups

Myth: A glass of milk is as good a breakfast as any other, especially for children.

Fact: Whether its breakfast meant for children or adults, nutritionists recommend including foods from at least three food groups namely, cereal, dairy and fruit for breakfast.

             "Eat a good breakfast - there's no better meal to help fuel a great day."