How Your Breakfast Affects Your Weight Loss
So, I’m guessing you’re one of the thousands who decided to skip breakfast today?
And you know what?
There’s a good chance that you might be overweight too.
I’m not trying to judge or anything, but that’s just a guess based on some statistical data and the fact that you’re reading this article.
I recently came across a couple of sets of statistics that caught my attention.
One said that about 25% of Americans skip breakfast, while another mentioned that nearly one-third (33%) of Americans are obese.
Now, here’s the big question: Is there a connection between skipping breakfast and being overweight?
Does eating breakfast play a significant role in a weight loss program?
Well, the answer isn’t exactly black and white.
While there haven’t been any definitive studies directly linking breakfast and weight loss, there seems to be a mathematical relationship between skipping breakfast and gaining weight.
Plus, there’s other evidence suggesting that eating breakfast can be a factor in weight loss for some people.
You see, weight gain or loss isn’t usually caused by a single action or omission.
It’s a combination of various factors like activity, nutrition, rest, cortisol levels, and even indulging in chocolate ice cream (which happens to be my guilty pleasure).
So, even though eating breakfast isn’t a magic solution, it should definitely be an important part of any weight loss program.
At the very least, it can help prevent further weight gain.
Now, let’s talk about how eating breakfast can help prevent weight gain.
When you skip breakfast (and I don’t mean just having coffee and donuts), you’re more likely to snack later in the day and end up eating more food during meals.
A big part of this is due to fluctuations in blood sugar and other hunger-related chemicals that can be better controlled by starting the day with a healthy meal.
Oh, and here’s another thing to consider: People who skip breakfast are more likely to run out of energy earlier in the day.
It’s a simple equation, really.
Less energy leads to less activity, which means fewer calories burned.
And when you’re low on energy, you’re more likely to snack and overeat.
Do you see where I’m going with this? It’s a recipe for creeping weight gain!
But it’s not just about weight control.
Skipping breakfast can also affect your attention span and performance, especially for school children and even the person sitting next to you at work.
You might find it hard to keep up with lessons, work, or life in general if you haven’t fueled your brain properly in the morning.
Now, I know some people have excuses for not eating breakfast. “I don’t have time.” “I don’t like breakfast.” “There’s nothing to eat at home.” “Eating breakfast makes me feel sick.” “The dog ate my breakfast.”
Okay, let’s cut the excuses, shall we?
When something is good for us and not doing it is bad for us, refusing to do it is just plain silly.
Breakfast doesn’t have to be a fancy feast.
A simple peanut butter sandwich, a glass of milk, or a banana is better than nothing.
Even a bowl of porridge takes less than a minute to prepare and less than five minutes to eat.
And if you’re really in a hurry, there are plenty of nutritious breakfast bars available.
You don’t even have to eat them at home.
Keep them in your desk drawer or toss one in your pocket or purse as you head out.
It’s way better than munching on a chocolate bar from the vending machine or raiding the receptionist’s candy bowl!
So, let’s make a pact.
If you want to control your weight, fight off fatigue, and be ready to tackle the day’s stress, start it off right with breakfast.
The calories you consume in the morning will help prevent you from consuming even more later in the day.
It’s a win-win situation.
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