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Fact or Fiction: Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day

Fact or Fiction - USANA Breakfast

Welcome to the new What’s Up, USANA? series, Fact or Fiction. Here, we’ll investigate some of the most common theories related to USANA, health and overall wellness. One post might be dedicated to addressing a common misconception customers may have about USANA, while another might unveil the truth behind a widespread health myth.

Regardless of the topic, this series is dedicated to exposing both the facts and the fictions, helping you stay informed on a variety of subjects. If you have an idea for an upcoming Fact or Fiction, let us know!

The Truth About Breakfast

Fact or Fiction: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day?

Fact or Fiction: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day?

Our first topic is that tricky meal of the day we hear so much about: breakfast. For most people, getting in a solid lunch and dinner are standard, but breakfast is different. Some of us stick with the notion that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, while others find a reason to skip it all together.

I’ll be the first to admit that I somehow manage to miss eating breakfast. Sure, I’ve heard how valuable it is. But honestly, eating is the last thing on my mind as I’m trying to wake up and get the day started. I’m definitely not a morning person, but after doing my research it might be time to change my ways.

The Benefits

Consuming a healthy breakfast contributes to a number of health benefits. Since your body has been digesting the previous night’s dinner during your sleep, it’s ready for more fuel first thing in the morning.

Once you eat breakfast, your body starts working immediately to convert the food into energy. This helps you wake up quicker and increases your metabolic rate for the day. And since you’re starting the day off with a good dose of energy, it’s easier to complete daily tasks quicker and more efficiently, helping you stay happy, productive, and optimistic. Yep, breakfast totally affects your mood!

Hmm…I’m starting to see why I’m not much of a morning person. I’ve been skipping breakfast every day, setting myself up for a lot of difficulties.

As I mentioned, after not feeding your body for eight hours overnight, holding off until lunchtime to eat can make you grumpy and sluggish throughout the day. Oh, and when you do eat lunch, because your body feels starved, you’re more likely to choose foods high in calories and fat to satisfy your cravings.

In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2011, a group of 12 men of healthy body weight were divided into two groups: breakfast and non-breakfast. The study was intended to determine how a morning meal impacted hormones and metabolism throughout the day.

It was determined that the non-breakfast group had increased appetite around lunchtime and that their insulin resistance at their next meal was much higher compared to the breakfast group — both of which contribute to weight gain and unhealthy eating habits.

Fact or Fiction

So is breakfast the most important meal of the day? While skipping breakfast might not be the worst habit you could develop, it’s obvious to see the multiple benefits of eating a healthy breakfast. That means we’re ready to call this one a fact, right?

Not so fast.

This only becomes fact if you follow the guidelines of a truly healthy breakfast.

A pan of greasy bacon, buttery hash browns, or syrup-covered pancakes is certainly not the best choice for most of us. Research tells us that a breakfast rich in protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates should be the focus for a healthy diet. Sticking to a healthy breakfast has been found to boost metabolism and keep it running more efficiently throughout the day.

So if you’re going to stand by this breakfast fact, make sure your breakfasts are healthy meals like scrambled eggs, oatmeal with nuts or fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, or a balanced meal-replacement shake.

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9 replies
  1. Dyann & Wild's Health4You ~ USANA Health Sciences
    Dyann & Wild's Health4You ~ USANA Health Sciences says:

    At our ages we have tried every combination of no-breakfast vs all-types-of-breakfast. We have found a full meal replacement shake to be our go-to breakfast almost every day…for the past ten years! It tastes delicious, is totally satisfying and we feel great for hours. Looking forward to more "Fact or Fiction" blogs!

    Reply
  2. Mary Helen Reyes
    Mary Helen Reyes says:

    I do love oatmeal in the morning or some yogurt and nuts. But I do admit many times I don't eat breakfast because I'm not an early person but I have been trying to eat if I'm up and take supplements right after that instead of after noon. love blog

    Reply
  3. Chris Kehoe
    Chris Kehoe says:

    I have always lovede to eat breakfast there is no way that I can go without eating breakfast it is tome the most important meal of the day while it is important to eat every meal breakfast is what gets you started in the morning and helps you to feel better as well.

    Reply

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