You need your breakfast. 'Nuf said.
Breakfast is often the day’s most neglected meal. Unfortunately, in fact, it is arguably the most important meal of the day. New research is confirming what was suggested in John Gray’s 2003 book, The Mars & Venus Diet & Exercise Solution. “When people skip breakfast they are setting themselves up to overeat,” John cautioned.
Research has consistently found that our chances of eating a well-balanced, healthy breakfast, fall dramatically once we leave the house. It’s not at all uncommon for busy people to rush out the door in the morning after a cup of coffee, a glass of juice or perhaps nothing at all. Typically people who skip breakfast will down a croissant, a bagel, or stop at a drive-thru for an egg and sausage sandwich.
One major reason so many of us miss breakfast is the reluctance to prepare a sensible meal first thing in the morning. Many of us also feel that breakfast slows us down and we lose that start of the day edge by eating well.
While it’s true that the body can force itself into producing a burst of energy early in the day to override a lack of proper nutrition, that approach will backfire on you as the day progresses. This happens in three ways:
1. When the body is not fed after many hours of rest it senses a shortage of food and slows its metabolism. This will lead to a slower caloric burn rate and that in turn will lead to weight gain;
2. Most of us who skip breakfast only make it to 9:30 or 10am. Then we wander into the office break room and wolf down a donut, or something equally high in calories and low in nutrition; and
3. A day that starts with poor nutritional balance usually continues that way. As you continue to fail in getting the nutrients that you need to act in an alert and efficient manner your performance throughout the day will suffer.
That said, consider these four easy solutions for getting your day off to a smart start with a healthy and balanced meal:
1. A low calorie, nutrient-dense shake to start your day is a good solution if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a steady body weight. For example, Mars & Venus offers shakes that balance the separate nutrient needs of both men and women so each can start their day in the best possible way.
2. There are many meals that you can make on the weekend and then enjoy during the week. A pot of oatmeal made with water stores easily and allows you to heat a single portion per day and sending you off with a good meal.
3. Have fruit on hand. You can cut up fruit on a Sunday night and store it in Tupperware for quick breakfasts. Not to mention fruit is always a healthful and delicious choice the you can add to yogurt, or with hot and cold cereal.
4. Consider wrapping up a dinner side dish for the next morning. It may not be what we traditionally would call “breakfast food,” but a side dish of rice and vegetables from last night will be a much healthier start to your day then an Egg McMuffin.
Most of us can’t wrap our minds around preparing a healthy breakfast. If that’s you, consider some healthy breakfast ritual, like a shake, oatmeal, or both. Or plan a nutritious but creative meal the night before. Like most smart eating, a quality, easy, and fast breakfast is all about planning and preparation. Your time spent in planning ahead will be well rewarded when you see how it can help in creating a healthier you.
Other MarsVenusLiving.com Health & Happiness Articles
Further Reflections on Freedom
Our True Desires: The First Four Building Blocks
Jackson Story Reveals that Both Mars and Venus Jump Online
The Best Relationship Stress Buster: Exercise
Processing Your Negative Feelings
Michelle Obama’s Garden of Hope
From Bonnie’s Garden: Feed Your SOL, One Ingredient at a Time
Both Mars and Venus Need a Good Breakfast
Sugar Substitutes Prove to Be a Not So Sweet Deal
When the Search for the Perfect Diet Goes Too Far
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