The Importance of Breakfast

The Importance of Breakfast

It's February, which is also American Heart Month. We all talk about the foods we should be eating in order to keep our cardiovascular health at its peak. You know, like cutting back on salty, high fat foods and incorporating more fruits and veggies into our diets. But eating well isn't just about what you eat - it's also about when you eat.

Some experts suggest that paying attention to how often you eat and at what time of day can help lower your risk of heart attacks and other illnesses. One common theme among researchers? Breakfast might actually be as important as what you've heard. So if you're not a breakfast eater, the following major benefits of eating breakfast might help change your mind...

  • There are many common breakfast foods that can be considered super-foods because of their nutritional value, such as eggs, whole grains, and fruits. Eggs are packed with protein and amino acids and are also a great source of Vitamin D. Hit your daily intake of Vitamin C with oranges, grapefruits, and apples.
  • When you sleep, your metabolism tends to slow down. Jumpstart it each morning with a healthy breakfast, preparing your body to burn calories for the remainder of the day.
  • According to recent research, breakfast-eaters are less likely to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, as well as normal blood sugar levels and sugar metabolism.
  • There's evidence that the body's metabolism is different during the day. With that being said, when you're active in the mornings and throughout the day, your body might be better prepared to burn the calories you're taking in.
  • If you prolong the amount of time between dinner and your next meal of the day, you might find yourself overeating, unintentionally. Also, skipping breakfast might push you to overeat at lunch or dinner - adding extra calories that you wouldn't otherwise take in.