Tip to Your Health: Eat Breakfast to Lose Weight

Did you know that eating breakfast will help you to lose weight? Yes, it is true! Eating breakfast is one tool you should use to fight the battle of the bulge and keep it off.
One of the most obvious reasons to eat breakfast is that it gives you energy, increasing your physical activity during the day. When you have fuel, you have the motivation and energy to engage in your regular daily activities as well as extracurricular activities such as playing with your kids or going to the gym.

A healthy breakfast refuels your body and replenishes the glycogen stores that supply blood sugar (glucose) which equals more energy. Skipping breakfast is associated with decreased physical activity…less calories burned means more unwanted weight.

Skipping breakfast sometimes mean skipping much needed nutrients that your body needs to function during the day. Eating breakfast gets you on track to make healthy choices all day. People who regularly eat breakfast tend to eat a healthier diet, typically one that is more nutritious and lower in fat. When you skip breakfast, you're more likely to skip fruits and vegetables the rest of the day too.

Studies show that breakfast eaters are less likely to overeat and snack during the day. When you skip breakfast, you may feel hunger pangs later and be tempted to reach for a quick fix, such as chips or candy bars from the vending machine. In addition, prolonged fasting — which occurs when you skip breakfast — can increase your body's insulin response, which in turn increases fat storage and weight gain. In fact, skipping breakfast actually increases your risk of obesity. I have heard of people skipping meals, especially breakfast, because they are trying to lose weight. They are actually doing the exact opposite; although they may lose weight initially, the increase fat storage capacity will cause them to put on weight easier and faster in the future.

Unfortunately, more Americans are skipping breakfast. If you're one of them — whether you're trying to save time or cut calories — you may want to reconsider, especially if you're trying to control your weight.

Here's our recipe for a great way to start the day with Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal with Berries

Ingredients:
1/2 cup uncooked quick or old-fashioned oats
2 tablespoons 100% pure pumpkin
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries or blueberries (great antioxidants)

Directions:
Cook oatmeal according to directions.  Add fruit to cooked oatmeal.  Place in bowl.  Top with pumpkin and syrup.  Makes 1 serving.

Tips:
1. Serve with skim milk
2. Adjust amount of ingredients to as desired

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 198, Calories from fat: 25, Total Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Soduim: 55mg, Carbohydrates: 36g, Fiber 5g, Sugars: 9g, Protein: 7g