Importance of eating a healthy breakfast:

The word breakfast literally means “break the fast”. Our body needs nourishment after resting for 8-10 hours and that is why breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day. During sleep while we are inactive, the body is still functioning and utilizes energy from the food eaten during the day and a good breakfast is the best way to replenish the bodies dipping reserves of energy.

What is a healthy breakfast?

A good healthy breakfast is a combination of proteins, carbohydrates and fiber. Proteins come from eggs, beans, meat and soy (tofu), carbohydrates and fiber from cereals, breads (whole wheat) and grains.

A simple healthy breakfast could be an egg, an orange or an apple and a bowl of whole grain cereal with soy milk or skimmed milk. Adding fresh fruits to your cereal is a great way to taste it up.

Proteins and fiber keep the hunger pangs away as they take longer to digest and absorb. Pastries, white breads or syrups will leave you tired and hungry after a couple of hours.

Myths about breakfast:

Myth: The most common myth is that avoiding breakfast is good when it comes to loosing weight or cutting calories.

Truth: Nothing can be further away from the truth. The human body needs energy to function and by cutting down on breakfast we are only delaying the craving for sometime.

Myth: A healthy breakfast means loading up on all kinds of foods.

Truth: A healthy breakfast is ideally one which is high on proteins and carbohydrates and low on fat. Drinking skimmed or soy milk is just as healthy, whole wheat cereals are healthy and filling. Boiled eggs and grilled meat is excellent as protein intakes.

Myth: Eating a healthy breakfast will make me lethargic.

Truth: Both adults and children who eat healthy breakfasts are more alert and active. Eating breakfasts and meals on time also helps with maintaining a steady weight.

Eating a good healthy breakfast is the best way to kick start your day. You will feel more energetic, alert and are less likely to stop for a mid day sweet snack. A good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day and makes you feel good about yourself.