I have been a breakfast eater my whole life. I suppose partly because as a child, my wonderful mother got up and made me a warm breakfast to eat each morning before leaving for school. In college the Café Ole’, as we fondly referred to the cafeteria, did the cooking, and by the time I was on my own, the habit was ingrained. Of course, I tried making a hot meal for my children before sending them off to school. They squawked and much preferred cold cereal or toaster waffles. In any case, I have always found it funny that people say things like, " I can't eat breakfast" or "it makes me sick to eat breakfast." Why? I'm ready for the fuel in the morning, especially now that I exercise first thing many days. I guess if you haven't gotten your body and metabolism accustomed to eating first thing in the day, your body isn't telling you it needs fuel. For me, it is what gets me going. A slice of whole wheat toast or some oatmeal, a couple of hard boiled egg whites and a glass of OJ, and I am good to go. It seems that many fit and healthy celebs have learned the power of breakfast, too. It has been reported that Fergie starts her day with a protein packed egg-white veggie omelet. Today show weather man Al Roker has been said to include a spoonful of peanut butter, yogurt and rolled oats as part of his early morning breakfast. And long time fitness guru Jack Lalanne reportedly starts his day with a protein drink made with soy powder and soy milk, whole grain cereal mixed with fresh pineapple and apple juice made with his famous Power Juicer. As the old saying goes, breakfast IS the most important meal of the day. Why you ask? Well, because as the celebs have found, it is an important part of a healthy eating plan that can help you achieve and maintain your body's best weight. Breakfast is just what it sounds like: "breaking the fast" since your last meal. During the night, your metabolism has shifted into a lower gear to conserve the energy it has on board and that it needs to run the body (beating of the heart, circulation, nerve impulses, respiration, etc). By supplying energy and nutrients shortly after you arise in the morning, you are telling your body to wake up from conservation mode and to go back to normal. When people wait hours to do this by not eating, their bodies slow down utilization of energy even more, because they are now walking around and asking their bodies to do more on less fuel. So, help your body run efficiently so it can achieve and maintain a healthy weight and make breakfast a healthy start to your day. If breakfast already IS a healthy start to your day, share your favorite healthy morning meal to inspire others. |
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