Breakfast--It Really is the Most Important Meal

by Amy Bragagnini, MS, RD, CSO

Starting off your day by eating breakfast can give you energy, help increase strength and endurance, and improve performance of adolescents in school. Further evidence about the importance of breakfast consumption has been released. Researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health examined the connection between breakfast consumption and five-year body weight changes in over 2, 200 adolescents (as part of the Eating Among Teens or “EAT” program). They concluded that kids that consumed breakfast daily gained less weight over a five-year period. They were more physically active and had lower body mass indexes (BMI) as well. Eating breakfast can help kids avoid unhealthy eating patterns and might prevent them from overeating the rest of the day.

Breakfast is important for people of all ages. Recently many hotel chains are moving towards rejuvenating their breakfast selection. Several hotels are working towards providing more hot foods, an increased selection of healthy fare, and food items that can be “grabbed” in the event that a plane needs to be caught.

Many people use “I don’t have time for breakfast” as an excuse for not eating in the morning. There are a few things that can be done in the event that time is limited. Pack a healthy breakfast the night before. Place whole-grain cereal in a baggie and keep low fat milk at the office. Try packages of instant oatmeal with dried fruit or pack a whole-grain bagel with low fat cream cheese and a piece of fruit. You can even utilize yesterday’s leftovers for breakfast—having something to eat first thing is an important way to start your day.

FUN AND GAMES

"Feeding Your Kids Right"
http://oldorchard.com/resources/#/show/articles/entry/31032

"Pack Your Kids a Healthy Lunch"
http://oldorchard.com/resources/#/show/articles/entry/3383

Q&A: What is the right balance of beverages to give my kids?
http://oldorchard.com/resources/#/show/questions/entry/57631