DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF WHAT CONSTITUTES A HEALTHY BREAKFAST?

The morning meal is an important opportunity to nourish your body. When it comes to breaking the overnight fast, whether to eat breakfast—and what to eat if you do—can be a confusing topic. The fact is, if you do it right, the morning meal can offer an important opportunity to nourish your body, and it may even help with weight control.

Typical American breakfast foods—like processed meats (bacon, sausage, and ham); refined flour pastries, pancakes, and French toast; high-sugar cereals; and fried potatoes—are generally far from ideal. Unfortunately, many breakfasts contain good foods that are overlooked, such as some dairy products (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, or fortified milk substitutes), whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A bowl of whole-grain hot or cold cereal, plain yogurt with granola, or cottage cheese topped with fresh or frozen fruit and nuts is a quick, simple, nutritious, and satisfying way to break your fast. A slice of whole grain toast or a whole wheat wrap makes a great base for peanut or other nut butter, with a banana or apple, melted cheese and tomato, mashed beans and salsa, or mashed avocado and hard-boiled egg. Despite a controversial past, eggs, in moderation, are a decent breakfast choice. An egg a day or a couple of eggs every other day is OK for most people in terms of heart health.

Consider looking beyond the limited definition of what constitutes “breakfast food,” for you never know what you will hit on that strikes your fancy. You might explore the breakfast foods of different cultures and cuisines. In any event, always try to include a protein source, as research shows spreading protein intake throughout the day is ideal.

Nutritional Bonus. What we eat (and don’t eat) is more important than whether we eat (or don’t eat) breakfast. Over a day, regular breakfast consumers tend to have healthier overall dietary patterns. A recent study disclosed that skipping breakfast or lunch caused people to fall short on intake of fruits, whole grains, and dairy. Unfavorable intake of sodium and refined grains also went up on days when meals were skipped. Data from an international review found that people who didn’t eat breakfast were more likely to eat fewer calories in the day; however, breakfast eaters consumed more fiber, more of several essential vitamins and minerals, and less added sugars.

Health Benefits. Breakfast eating and skipping have been studied with regard to weight management, diabetes risk, and association with other chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Research overall comes out in favor of breakfast, although there are some caveats. A recent analysis of randomized, controlled, short term studies found skipping breakfast may have a modest benefit in terms of weight loss. But other studies, particularly longer-term observational studies, indicate that people who regularly eat breakfast tend to weigh less. The analysis of randomized controlled trials also found skipping breakfast resulted in an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels compared to those eating breakfast. Multiple observational studies have also disclosed an association between skipping breakfast and higher risk of type 2 diabetes. These studies suggest that a regular healthy breakfast is associated with improved blood sugar control. Other studies reported an association between breakfast consumption and lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

The general impact of meal skipping is very difficult to assess, primarily because there are so many factors at play. Can one really parse out the health impacts of eating breakfast if one participant eats a heaping plate of syrup-drenched refined-grain pancakes and a side of bacon every day, and another eats fruit with yogurt or steel cut oats? Are breakfast eaters healthier because they have other healthy eating

habits, engage in more physical activity, or live less stressful lives? Are people who skip breakfast more likely to work the night-shift, snack heavily throughout the evening, or eat because they are depressed, all of which could impact their health? Whatever your health goals, starting your day—whenever your day starts—with smart food choices is a good way to support your efforts.

SUGGESTIONS FOR QUICK AND SIMPLE HEALTHY BREAKFASTS

Fuel your day with these tasty and nutritious meals that are ready in a snap:

• BOWLED OVER. Assemble a bowl of plain Greek yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese and add toppings like fruit, nuts, low sugar whole oat granola or muesli, Sprinkle with cinnamon or add a dash of vanilla for extra flavor,

• TOAST TOPPERS. Add quick, nutritious toppers to a slice of whole grain bread or English muffin, like peanut or other nut butter and sliced fruit or raisins; hummus with feta and olives; avocado and salsa; or hard-boiled egg and tomato.

•FILL ‘EM UP.Whole grain pita and tortillas are easy to stuff or roll with hard-boiled or scrambled egg, cooked chicken or shrimp, or canned tuna. Top with veggies like spinach, tomato, and mushrooms. Add a tasty sauce or spread, like salsa, mustard, or a dollop of plain yogurt to taste.

• OVERNIGHT OPTIONS. Most whole grains (including oats and quinoa) and some seeds (like chia seeds) can be soaked in liquid (milk, fortified milk substitute, water, or broth) while you sleep. In the morning, top with fresh or frozen fruit, nuts, cinnamon—or go savory and top with chopped fresh, thawed, or canned vegetables and protein, like tofu, shredded cheese or lean sliced meats. Try different proportions and combinations until you find your favorites.

SUMMARY

Breakfast eaters seem to have better overall diet quality and health outcomes. Whether this is due to breakfast itself or other lifestyle choices of habitual breakfast eaters is not certain. Breakfast is the ideal time to incorporate some foods that are often shortchanged. Go for dairy for calcium and vitamin D; fruit for potassium and fiber; nuts and seeds for fiber, healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium; and whole grains for fiber and minerals.

Skip the processed breakfast meats, heaps of salty fried potatoes, sugary breakfast cereals and bars, and refined baked goods such as white bread, bagels, rolls, pastries, and muffins.

Include a protein source, and spread it throughout the day, which is an effective way to support the ongoing muscle building and repair.

Get creative, looking for international flavors, eating lunch or dinner foods for breakfast, or otherwise consider breaking away from traditional American breakfast foods.