Breakfast on the Go

When I initially meet with clients and discuss their daily food intake, breakfast is one meal that usually falls by the wayside. Excuses are they got up late, had to get the kids ready or just did not think about it. Breakfast is the one meal that should not be missed. Here are some reasons why you should eat breakfast:

• When you wake up, your body has not consumed food since (preferably) two hours prior to going to sleep. During sleep, your body is on its longest stretch of the day without food, still functioning and using energy (calories). When you continue this stretch of time without eating, your body responds by diminishing its metabolic rate and burning fewer calories to conserve energy. By eating breakfast, you jump start your metabolism for the day.
• Research has shown repeatedly that when people eat breakfast, you have a better chance of losing weight and keeping it off. When you skip meals, you get really hungry and make poor choices for your next meal because you want to eat anything in sight.
• When you eat breakfast, you are more focused and alert. Eating breakfast helps improve memory and positively affects tasks that require your attention.

Here are some on-the-go breakfast ideas:

1. Precooked hard-boiled egg whites
   
2. Celery sticks with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter
3. Single serving of yogurt or cottage cheese
4. Fresh fruit
5. Whole wheat toast or multi-grain English muffin with low-fat cheese
6. Precooked turkey bacon

The main point is to eat something to avoid slowing your metabolism down and overeating later in your day!