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Break Your Fast... Eat Breakfast!
For most of us leading busy lives, breakfast is never a priority,
let alone an option. But in reality, it is the most important meal
of the day. When the body is at rest in sleep mode, it essentially
is in a fasting state. The body's metabolism slows down and it
becomes less efficient at burning calories. Having something for
breakfast, actually "breaks" this fasting state, and
jump starts one's metabolism while giving the body and its
muscles the nourishment that it needs. Starving yourself first thing
in the morning is not a good idea if you are trying to lose weight
as having a low metabolism does not burn calories efficiently.
An advantage of eating breakfast is that it allows you to eat a
manageable lunch, since your body has had some nourishment first
thing in the morning. Blood sugar levels are kept steady by eating
breakfast, - an important point for those with diabetes. Breakfast
also replenishes glucose levels- the body's main source of
energy and fuel for the brain. As a result, studies have found that
adults and children who eat breakfast regularly are more alert,
burn calories more efficiently, are healthier, tend to be more
physically active and are less irritable. Additionally, children
who eat breakfast also get better grades in school.
What are good breakfast choices? Egg whites cooked with veggies
rolled in a whole wheat tortilla (whole wheat roti is also a good
substitute), any whole grain cereals with skim milk, a whole grain
bagel with fat-free cream cheese, low fat yogurt with granola,
whole wheat or multi grain toast with light peanut butter. Even,
dinner left-overs make good breakfast options. For children who
are sometimes fussy and hard to please, some breakfast options
are diced fresh fruit, topped with fat free whipped cream; a fruit
smoothie (granola cereal can be added to this) topped with some
cherries; a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and even a grilled
cheese sandwich! Most kids' cereals are high in calories and sugar
and should be limited. Remember when it comes to eating breakfast,
there are no steadfast rules, just avoid traditional Indian snacks
such as chevda, sev, pooris, etc which are deep fried, high in fat
and calories and don't have much nutritional value.
Aarti Patel is certified by the American Council on
Exercise as a Personal Trainer and Lifestyle and Weight Management
Consultant . She is a Trainer at "Ultimate Bodies by
Carlos" in Midtown and can be reached at (404)376-5655.
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