Choosing Healthy Foods
:: The Importance of Breakfast
Does the thought of breakfast make you groan? Almost one third of Canadian adults do not eat breakfast regularly, even though it's simple to make and good to eat. Here are five good reasons to make breakfast a habit:
- You'll be more likely to get the nutrients you need each day.
If you're not a breakfast eater, you're probably not getting the required amount of calcium, iron, thiamine (vitamin B1) and fibre every day. Since many of us don't get enough of these nutrients at the best of times, good choices at breakfast can help us get up to speed.
You'll be more likely to maintain or achieve a healthy weight.
Breakfast is important for maintaining a healthy weight. If you skip breakfast, chances are you will snack earlier and more often, and you'll likely be choosing less-nutritious snacks too. Breakfast skippers also tend to do most of their eating in the evening when their bodies are slowing down. This could change their metabolism so their bodies start storing those calories as fat.- Your heart will thank you.
Eating breakfast can be one step towards a healthy heart. According to a U.S. survey, people who regularly eat breakfast have lower blood cholesterol levels than people who skip breakfast. Your blood cholesterol level depends on many factors, including the amount of fat and fibre in the foods you eat. Breakfast foods that are low in fat and high in fibre may help keep blood cholesterol at a healthy level.
- You will be more able to function throughout the day.
Breakfast may have a noticeable effect on a person's performance during the day. Studies of people whose jobs involve physical work show that those who missed breakfast cannot work as hard by lunch-time. Research also shows that the problem-solving skills needed for schoolwork are not as sharp in children and teens that have missed breakfast.
- You'll be setting a good example.
A family's breakfast routine will influence the eating habits children carry throughout life. Introducing children to a variety of tasty foods at breakfast helps them to develop healthy habits.
Healthy Eating for Busy People
Healthy Eating at Work
