by Dolores Moore

Created on: November 10, 2009

Because of the great flexibility of the Weight Watchers program, you can eat exactly what you like for breakfast, so long as you use your points correctly. But wait a second! Is it a nutritionally sound idea to have a slice of Black Forest gateau to start the day? Not really the best choice, nor is a black coffee or a little glass of juice such a great idea either. Sometimes, because people are so busy and rushed in the morning, they even skip any semblance of breakfast, then have to eat a big Danish or muffin when hunger kicks in, around mid-morning. What breakfast?

To kick-start the metabolism, to keep hunger at bay and to make a success of your Weight Watchers program, breakfast is absolutely essential. It does not have to be complicated or fussy, or involve the use of several tons of flatware and your best silver. But getting into the habit of eating breakfast is beneficial. So what to eat? One of the best foods to get you going, heat you up, keep you full till lunch time AND help your heart, is oatmeal, or as it is known in the UK, porridge. A medium bowl of hot porridge, served with one quarter of a pint of semi-skimmed milk is only 2 and 1/2 points and will take about 4 minutes to prepare in the microwave.

Cereal and fruit combinations are great fillers too, and get that metabolic rate up and working. Eat an orange or half a fresh grapefruit with a medium bowl of Fruit n Fiber, plus semi-skimmed milk - only 3 points. A bowl of cornflakes or bran flakes, milk and a small banana comes to 3 and 1/2 points. If you have coffee or tea,with milk, be sure to count the milk as part of your daily points allowance.

Many people like toast and coffee for breakfast. Granary toast, a medium slice, spread and marmalade will only set you back 2 and 1/2 points; add a small banana for its energizing properties and the Weight Watcher is set up for the morning, on 3 and 1/2 points. Protein breakfasts are also good to eat for releasing energy and keeping you going till lunch time. A poached egg, accompanied by three tablespoons of baked beans and two big grilled tomatoes will provide a filling, protein-rich breakfast and contains plenty of fiber too. That is just 3 and 1/2 points, not too many for a satisfying first meal of the day.

In the warmer weather, fruit or fruit juice can be just enough for some breakfasts on Weight Watchers. But if breakfast is to sustain a person through till lunch time, for 2 and 1/2 points add a little more; one small can of peaches in natural juice, a small tub of low fat natural yogurt will provide calcium,fiber and natural sugars, good for energy and metabolism. About 3 ounces of strawberries, topped with two rounded tablespoons of low fat fromage frais, will do the same, and taste delicious.

What to eat for breakfast on Weight Watchers is all a matter of taste and lifestyle, but it is also about choosing what will give you energy and increase your metabolic rate. That is what helps in weight loss. Never miss breakfast, it is the most important meal of the day in any weight loss program; chose wisely and do well.

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