FOOD AND NUTRITION
Research Proves A Big Breakfast
is The First Step to Losing Weight
Article based on The Journal of Nutrition
(BPT) - If you want to lose weight, you're not alone. More than half of Americans desire to shed pounds, according to Gallup. This goal inspires people to take action in many ways, from increasing exercise to modifying meals. One thing many people do is skip breakfast in order to lower calorie intake. While this may seem like a good idea to lose weight, research proves otherwise. In fact, eating a big breakfast followed by smaller meals throughout the day is the best method for weight loss.
A new study in The Journal of Nutrition investigated the relation between meal frequency and timing and changes in body mass index (BMI). The study found that "eating less frequently, no snacking, consuming breakfast and eating the largest meal in the morning may be effective methods for preventing long-term weight gain." "When you eat your meal matters," says Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. "The best way to eat for energy and weight is to eat a big breakfast, smaller lunch and light dinner because it mimics our days' activities."
Blatner explains that people are typically most active in the beginning of the day and so need the most fuel then. They slow down as the day progresses, and by dinnertime they need less fuel. "But it's not just about eating anything in the morning," she cautions. "It's important to pick nutrient-dense foods to fuel your day right." Blatner provides three tips for creating a wholesome breakfast that will give you energy and support your weight-loss goals: