Excerpted from: The Mayo Clinic Staff, Feb 14, 2007
Breakfast not only starts your day off right, but also lays the foundation for lifelong health benefits.
People who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to:
- Consume more vitamins and minerals and less fat and cholesterol.
- Have better concentration and productivity throughout the morning.
- Control their weight.
- Have lower cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
Breakfast is especially important for children and adolescents. According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination. They may also be more alert, creative and less likely to miss days of school.
A healthy breakfast should consist of a variety of foods, for example, whole grains, low-fat protein or dairy sources, and fruit. This provides complex carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fat - a combination that delays hunger symptoms for hours. Whether you opt for traditional options, such as yogurt, whole-grain muffins or ready-to-eat cereal, or less typical foods, such as leftover vegetable pizza or a fruit smoothie, you can get the nutrients and energy you need to start your day.