Many people have the misconception that skipping breakfast helps them to cut calories and jump start weight loss. The Office of the Surgeon General corrects this assumption by stating that breakfast remains the most important meal of the day, and eating breakfast can help people avoid obesity and weight gain. Mealsmatter.org describes the energy boost provided by eating breakfast and explains that it jump starts the metabolism for the day. Healthy breakfast ideas for weight loss can be fast, nutritious and inexpensive.
Cereals and Fiber
Cereals, especially high fiber or bran cereals, imitate a feeling of fullness and are healthy for the colon. Mealsmatter.org discusses the fact that in women studied, those who ate breakfast were nine pounds thinner on average than those who did not. Add some low-fat milk -- skim or 1 percent -- to cereal to incorporate a source of healthful protein.
Protein
Don't forget the protein. Protein breaks down into amino acids, which are the building blocks of human muscle tissue. A serving of protein at breakfast will keep the dieter satiated longer as it is harder to breakdown, and cravings for snacks will decrease. The Cleveland Clinic encourages scrambled egg whites or egg white substitutes for a healthy breakfast choice. If a fast food breakfast is the only option, the Cleveland Clinic suggests skipping the meat and focusing on sandwiches with eggs.
Toss Tradition
There is no set rule that breakfast must be composed of breakfast-type foods. The leftovers in the fridge are probably healthier and less fatty than a drive-thru fast food breakfast. Mealsmatter.org suggests eating leftovers for breakfast because they usually have a healthy portion of proteins and fiber, two of the most important breakfast substances.
Shakes and Gimmicks
Read the labels on all 'healthy' convenience breakfast products such as shakes and bars. Mealsmatter.org warns that some have similar nutrition profiles as candy because of their sugar content. A home-made yogurt smoothie containing low fat yogurt, ice and fresh fruit will provide all the protein and energy a body needs without the added sugars and fats.
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