Wellness Wednesday

The Breakfast Myth

Is Breakfast All It's Really Cracked up to be?

Every good day starts with breakfast, or so we've been told by companies such as Kellogg's, General Mills, and Post. But is that really the case? Studies over the years have told us that skipping breakfast leads to obesity and other health problems, leaving us to make sure that we have a full, hearty meal on our plate at the beginning of the day. But, again, if this is the case, why is obesity on the rise?

The obesity epidemic isn't due to breakfast itself, but what we are eating at breakfast or after breakfast, and how much of it we are actually eating. For example, lets take a look at a General Mills Favorite, Lucky Charms:

A bowl of this packs a large punch of sugar and carbohydrates, while providing only a small amount of fiber and protein. Instead, one should take a look at a few of these recommended breakfasts which include: 

• Scrambled Eggs: This breakfast choice is full of protein, fat to slow digestion, and fiber to fill you up for the day. This should be your breakfast food of choice if you have 10 minutes to spare in the morning.
• Fruit/Veggie Smoothies: Here's  some smoothie recipes to get you going in the morning. The fruit contains non-processed sugar and fiber to keep you going throughout the day.
• Whole Wheat Toast: Just a slice of this with any breakfast gives you enough fiber to keep you full until the next meal.

While the breakfast foods above are a great way to start your day if you choose to eat breakfast, the key is to not over indulge throughout the day. Eating too much, as well as eating too much of the wrong thing still leads to obesity. If you eat a large breakfast, be sure to pace yourself throughout the day. Same goes for those who tend to skip breakfast; if you now eat breakfast, don't eat the same amount that you were before,  while you were skipping breakfast. Remember: While calories are king, you want to indulge in foods full of protein and fiber and avoid too much sugar.