Start your day right with breakfast
Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day. Studies from the National Weight Control Registry show that people who successfully maintain significant weight loss eat breakfast almost every day. And depending upon what you choose for your first meal in the morning, you can help your health in other ways, like lowering your cancer risk.
After fasting through the night, eating breakfast raises your energy level. By fueling your body in the morning with slow-burning foods like whole grains and fruits, you can satisfy your appetite until midday. You will also be less likely to overeat at lunch and throughout the day. Because these healthy foods contain vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals, they are staples of a cancer-preventive diet.
People who skip breakfast tend to make up for the missed calories later in the day. Often they eat whatever food is nearby, instead of looking for healthier choices. These people also tend to have less energy later in the day, which makes efforts at weight control difficult.
If you start your day off with nutrient-poor, sugary pastries and cereals, your energy level can plummet by mid-morning. You may find yourself snacking just like the people who had no breakfast. For a quick, minimal-preparation morning meal, simply stock your pantry with healthful ingredients like oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, nuts and fruits (fresh, frozen, dried or canned without sugar).
Looking for healthy meal ideas?
You can find a variety of healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert recipes by visiting the https://www.healthyoptionsbuffalo.com/. The Healthy Options program was created by the Independent Health Foundation in 2004 as a way to help Western New Yorkers make informed decisions about healthy eating and address the high rates of stroke and heart disease prevalent in our community.
