by Heather Russell

Created on: July 31, 2007   Last Updated: June 05, 2009

Whether you don't have time, you're cutting calories, or you're simply not hungry, chances are you've skipped breakfast more than once. However, your mom wasn't kidding when she told you it was the most important meal of the day. Here are some common-sense reasons that you should reacquaint yourself with the first meal of the day.

Have a good morning:

First of all, eating breakfast simply gets your body ready for the day. It jump-starts your metabolism, signaling to your body that it's time to get going. In addition, it gets your brain going. Hunger is the surprising culprit behind many bouts of crankiness, forgetfulness, and distraction.

Help your diet:

One of the top reasons for chronic breakfast-skipping is a desire to lose weight. It seems to make sense that if you eat less, you will weigh less; however, if you're trying to lose weight, not eating breakfast is more likely to lead you to overeat later in the day. Not only is hunger likely to cloud your judgment when it comes to making healthy food choices, but you may also eat more quickly than you usually do. Since your body takes a while to register fullness, you will eat more before you feel satisfied.

Treat yourself well:

While eating breakfast does have these mental and physical benefits, it can also have emotional benefits as well. Eating breakfast can be a small way to treat yourself well and move yourself up a spot on your priority list. Think about your reasons for not eating breakfast. The number one reason, if it isn't weight-loss attempts, is probably lack of time. Make a promise to yourself that you will not live your life feeling rushed; even if you have to set your alarm for ten minutes earlier, try giving yourself that ten minutes of "you" time to gather your thoughts and nourish your body for the coming day.

Think outside the breakfast box:

A last reason that people may avoid breakfast is simply because they don't have a clear picture in their heads of what breakfast can be. If all of your associations with breakfast involve your mom's gummy oatmeal or fried egg sandwiches in college, spend some time thinking of tasty, healthy alternatives.

Go for a smaller meal that won't weigh you down, and go for a balance of carbohydrates for quick energy, fiber to keep you full, and protein to give you energy to last far into your day.

Base your meal around whole grains, available in many cereals, oatmeals, and breads. Add a protein, either in the form of yogurt, milk, eggs, nuts, or a lean meat, and finish off your meal with some fruit.

If you're not a "breakfast person," get creative with your morning meal choices. Try half a chicken sandwich with an apple, or, in the winter, a bowl of turkey chili with plenty of beans and veggies in it.

Try your great breakfast experiment for a week; I guarantee that after seven days of having better mornings, you will be a breakfast convert!

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