Remember when we were younger and our parents preached that breakfast was the most important meal of the day and they wouldn’t allow us to leave the kitchen until we ate?  Well, they were right.  And I’m not saying this because I eat breakfast now or because my parents read my articles and blogs.  Research has repeatedly proven it is true.

Studies have shown that eating breakfast helps you perform better at work or in school, and:
•    Increases your attention span
•    Boosts your energy
•    Improves control of your emotions
•    Enhances creativity
•    Improves your reaction time
•    Decreases your likelihood to be overweight
•    Can raise metabolism up to 10%

A balanced breakfast should provide about 25% of your daily caloric needs.  Most nutritionists agree it should include a source of protein, calcium, a fruit or vegetable and a serving of fiber.  You should steer clear of high sugar products such as donuts, danishes, and sugar cereals.  Protein choices can be cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, lean meat or peanut butter.

For those of you who don’t eat breakfast, here are my responses to your excuses.
1.    I don’t have time to make it.
My response:  Many foods are packaged as single servings that you can take with you if needed.  You can get your food ready the night before.  Or, bake a casserole that has 6 or 8 servings.  Are you a coffee drinker?  Set the coffee pot to automatically start each morning.
2.    I’m not hungry.
Start small.  You may also find that it helps if you don’t eat a large meal shortly before going to bed the night before.
3.    I’ll gain weight.
Studies have repeatedly shown just the opposite.  Those who don’t eat breakfast are more likely to be overweight.
4.    I don’t like breakfast food.
You don’t have to eat typical breakfast food.  Choose a whole wheat pita with lean turkey and low fat cheese, or a chicken breast with fruit.

It is important for you to eat breakfast every day.  If you aren’t used to doing so, you may need to train or re-train yourself to do it.  Don’t give up if it takes a couple of weeks.  All good habits take a little time to learn.