Benefits Of Eating A Healthy Breakfast

Studies show eating a healthy breakfast improves health by lowering cholesterol levels and aiding weight loss.

While skipping breakfast may seem like a good idea when in a hurry, studies show the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast are worth taking a few minutes to eat. There are many benefits of breakfast, including:

Boosts metabolism: Skipping meals causes the metabolism to become sluggish, but eating speeds the metabolism up because the body is burning calories when its digesting food. Breakfast is the first opportunity of the day to fuel the body and get the metabolism running.

Increases Energy: Studies indicate that those who eat breakfast have higher energy levels than those who skip breakfast.

Lowers cholesterol levels: Soluble fiber found in foods such as oatmeal, oat bran, citrus fruits and strawberries has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Improves concentration: Research shows that those who eat breakfast have better concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills than those who skip breakfast.

Aids weight loss: Those who eat breakfast eat fewer calories throughout the day and lose more weight compared to those who do not eat breakfast. Also, those who opt out of eating breakfast are usually famished by lunchtime and tend to overeat.

Keeps blood sugar levels stable. Eating a breakfast consisting of sugary cereal or a doughnut causes blood sugar to spike, leading to hunger and carbohydrate cravings. A healthy breakfast keeps blood sugar levels stable, thereby decreasing cravings and hunger throughout the day.

Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas
A nutritional breakfast should always consist of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Some quick and healthy breakfast ideas include:

•Oatmeal with fresh fruit and whole-grain toast
•Scrambled eggs with a slice of whole-grain toast and a pat of butter
•Veggie omelet with a sprinkling of cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top
•High fiber muffins with fresh fruit and a glass of juice or low-fat milk
•Whole grain waffles or pancakes and turkey sausage or bacon
•Cold cereal that is high in fiber and low in sugar with low-fat milk, and fresh berries
•Whole-grain toast with peanut butter and a piece of fresh fruit

Sometimes eating actual food in the morning isn't always an enticing thought. Another option is to drink a smoothie made up of fresh fruit, low-fat milk or juice, yogurt, and a scoop of protein powder. Another option may be drinking a meal replacement shake, but make sure to read the label and make sure that any meal replacement shakes has a well-balanced ratio of carbs, protein, and fat.