I love eating breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day.
What I LOVE to eat after my run in the morning, is a big plate of spinach, low fat cheese, mushroom and 2 sunny sides up, and a slice of whole wheat bread. It contains all the macro and micronutrients I need, and it keeps me going till 2pm. It contains protein, carbohydrates and fat (macronutrients) and also an insane number of micronutrients, thanks to the Spinach component. Spinach is a rich source of vitamin A (and especially high in lutein), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, folate, betaine, iron, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, folic acid, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. Recently, opioid peptides called rubiscolins have also been found in spinach. Wow! all that before noon.. isn’t it amazing how much good you can do your body even before half the day is done?
Anyway, you should eat a healthy breakfast because it helps you lose weight too.. along with these other reasons:
1. Reduced hunger
Eating breakfast means you will stay full for longer and you won’t be prone to overeating lunch or reaching for sweet substitutes. If you eat sweet things your blood glucose will spike and your body will make more insulin to reduce this spike. Over a long period of time, this will cause insulin resistance and lead to Type II diabetes.
2. Keeps You from making Wrong choices
Eating breakfast may get you on track to make healthy choices all day. When you eat breakfast, you tend to eat a healthier overall diet, one that is more nutritious and lower in empty calories.
3. Gives You more Energy
Eating breakfast may give you energy, increasing your physical activity during the day. A healthy breakfast refuels your body and replenishes the glycogen stores that supply your muscles with immediate energy.
4. Increases Metabolism
Imagine your body is like an engine. Give it fuel, and it will be revved up all day. Cut breakfast, and your metabolism will drop by 20-30%. But giving your engine the right kind of fuel is important too. Choose complex carbs (low glycemic index), lean protein and good fats (poly and monounsaturated fats) to begin you day with and I guarantee you will be closer to your ideal weight in no time.
5. Helps You Cope with Stress
Again, if you eat the right kind of breakfast, one that is rich in Vit B, you will be able to cope with the stresses of daily life better. B vitamins are also recognized as anti-anxiety vitamins. B vitamins and the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin have direct link since they are important in promoting emotional equilibrium and calmness, as stated by the National Center for Health and Wellness. Moreover, with reference to studies cited by NCHW, several variations of B vitamins help in managing neuro-toxic chemicals which bring about anxiety or stress.
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