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Eat Breakfast to Lose Weight

Posted by Caley on February 26th, 2009 at 10:45am

You’ve probably seen those Special K commercials that claim eating breakfast can help you lose weight, but is is true? Absolutely!

Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast, feel less hungry overall and consume less calories throughout the day. Even those who have a higher overall caloric intake with the addition of breakfast STILL tend to gain less weight than those you skip breakfast and consume less calories, according to a University of Minnesota study. This may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s quite easily explained by the fact that people who eat breakfast have more energy to exercise during the day, and thus end up burning more calories.

Your body needs you to break the 8+ hour fast practiced during the night. A meal in the morning ensures that your body releases adequate amounts of the appetite suppressant leptin, so that you do not over-eat the rest of the day. Eating breakfast also kick-starts your metabolism earlier to burn more calories for various activities throughout the day. Without breakfast, your body goes 15 or more hours without eating and does not create enough enzymes to metabolize fat and lose weight.

Getting into the habit of eating breakfast is beneficial for your weight loss goals. Here are a few ideas for getting a healthy breakfast:

Eggs are a great source of protein and relatively low in calories. Have scrambled or poached over whole wheat toast, or try an omelet or frittata.
You can make healthy crepes by combing 3/4 cup whole wheat flour with 1 cup skim or low-fat milk, and 1 large egg+ 1 egg white. Add cinnamon or other spices if you like. Lemon zest is a fantastic addition. Swirl 3 tablespoons of batter in crepe pan or medium skillet sprayed with cooking spray and cook until set, about 1 minute. Serve with applesauce or sugar-free jam.
Granola or muesli without added sugar or salt are great choices. Have with fruit for natural sweetness and/or yogurt.
Smoothies are a great choice if you are in a hurry most mornings. Combine natural yogurt with your favorite fruits and a dollop of honey for a fantastic breakfast.