Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, or is this a myth? Essentially all meals are important, so what is it about breakfast that gave it such notoriety?

It’s time to take a closer look at the different “food myths” surrounding breakfast. From weight loss to whether skipping it altogether is OK. Here is what you need to know to get the best breakfast for your health.

Is Skipping Breakfast Really Bad for You?

Most nutritional guidelines recommend that we eat breakfast every day. Many studies have found that those who eat breakfast each morning overall have healthier food and lifestyle habits.

However, the reasons that those who eat breakfast are healthier may not have anything at all to do with the meal itself. The healthy weight and lack of obesity could be because breakfast eaters have overall healthier lifestyle habits, and they contribute to the more ideal weight.

People who eat breakfast tend to consume more fiber and nutrients, which can help in losing weight and maintaining healthier weights. Studies also found that those who skip breakfast drink more alcohol and smoke as well as exercise less, all of which contribute to weight gain.

By coincidence alone, it could be that eating breakfast has been attributed to good health. In reality, it is the other behaviors and choices of individuals that allow for weight maintenance and overall good health. As studies continue, it appears that it really doesn’t matter if you eat breakfast or not.

Of course, eating breakfast certainly has been shown to have some benefits, especially in children. It does improve concentration and alertness, but there are also many claims that have since been disproved.

Does Missing Breakfast Cause Weight Gain?

On the surface it doesn’t make sense that eating fewer meals will cause you to gain weight. Missing a meal can cause you to feel hungrier, which can make you eat more later in the day. However, if the food is healthy, your weight is safe.

Studies have found that missing breakfast does not have any significant influence over weight and in fact can reduce total caloric intake. What influences your weight is what you eat.

Does Breakfast Boost Your Metabolism?

It has been widely claimed that breakfast is the meal that kick-starts your metabolism. This goes hand-in-hand with the weight loss myth. If your metabolism is running faster, then you can burn calories and lose weight.

However, when it comes to your metabolism, what matters is the total amount of food you consume throughout the day. It really makes no difference what times you eat during your day or how often.

There is no difference in the amount of calories burned over a 24-hour period between those who eat breakfast and those who skip it.

The Best Way to Approach Breakfast

Not all meals are created equally, so obviously some breakfasts will be healthier than others. Whether you believe that breakfast is an essential meal or not, it does matter what you choose to eat.

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Start your day right with the best foods, and this alone can help drive a healthier day as far as food choices. Below are a few healthy tips for a better breakfast:

♦ Always opt for protein in the morning, such as eggs

♦ Eat heart-healthy breakfast options, like steel-cut oatmeal

♦ Get a rich supply of nutrients and vitamins with smoothies made from your favorite fruits and vegetables

♦ Choose healthy fats, such as avocados

♦ Avoid refined starches and sugars (common in many breakfast cereals)

♦ Get fiber through whole grains, like quinoa

♦ Take it easy on sugary jams and fatty spreads or syrups. Choose peanut butter instead and get the added protein boost.

Having all your daily meals also ensures that you get the nutrients your body needs. Missing any meal of the day can decrease the overall nutrient content you consume that day, and this can have negative effects on your health over time.

Vitamins and minerals are essential to your many body functions and your health, so aim for a balanced breakfast as well as other balanced meals. Be sure to get enough protein, fiber, healthy fats, and fresh fruits and vegetables in your day and weight is much easier to manage.

Adding regular physical activity to your life is also an excellent way to support health and also boost weight loss.

The Bottom Line

There really isn’t anything special about breakfast. All meals are important, and what you eat is even more important. Everyone’s metabolism is different, so if you are hungry in the morning, then you should eat.

A protein-rich breakfast is a great way to start, but if you are not hungry, then don’t force it. Nothing bad will happen to you from missing breakfast, the myths have been dispelled. Eat when you’re hungry; just make sure you’re eating right.

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