Breakfast, again

Do you know that the USDA Agricultural Research Service has determined that people who eat most of their food between 4PM and 8PM have higher cholesterol, higher blood pressure nad higer blood sugar levels than people who eat 3 meals a day?

Surprisingly, both groups consumed the same number of calories. The big differences were how
the calories were consumed and when.

The USDA also found that the folks eating the most calories at night felt hungrier and less satisfied during the day and that they often made poor food choices (high calorie, nutrient deficient) when they did eat.

I interpret this information to mean that the folks consuming the majority of their calories at night don't eat breakfast. It seems obvious to me that of course these people would feel
hungrier and less satisfied during the day. They're literally starving their bodies. Most likely
their blood sugar levels are crashing through the floor, they've dragged themeselves through their day and don't have the energy physically or mentally to make any kind of healthy choice
for dinner. Basically they're ravenous and they need calories NOW, immediately.

Other studies show that folks who skip breakfast carry excess weight to the point of obesity
than people who eat breakfast.

So I get on my breakfast soap box once again. What does your breakfast look like? Are you getting about 400-500 calories of balanced nutrients? Complex carbs? A little good fat? Protein? Fiber? You're all intelligent people. I trust you can figure out that eating a banana or a muffin does not equal a balanced meal.

What about this word: breakfast? How do you break a fast? By EATING!

If you don't eat breakfast regularly, please consider experimenting by eating some kind of small, balanced meal first thing in the morning. If eggs and bacon or a big bowl of cereal turns your stomach (literally) then consider something smaller (but still balanced please) and start there. Many choices exist. Give yourself permission to experiment: don't feel constrained to eat breakfast foods for breakfast. If eating a lunch or dinner type food seems appealing, then try that. I use to love eating cold pizza for breakfast. Many cultures eat what we may view as
non-breakfast type foods for their first meal of the day. Go by how your body feels.

Also think about your night-time eating habits. Do you wait until late in the afternoon or early
evening to eat the majority of your calories? If you do that, what kind of food choices are you making? Do you fall into the category of hungry, feed me now, your arm is looking mighty
appetizing?

We have enough stresses in our daily lives. What small, manageable choices can you make to healthily feed your body?

In health,

Laura