What's The Skinny On Breakfast?

Breakfast.  Some people feel it is the most important meal of the day and really make the most of it with eggs, meat, toast, and potatoes.  Some start their day with cereal.  Others grab a cup of coffee or two.   And still others - many others - skip it altogether.

Skipping breakfast is not a good idea.  After a 12 hour or so fast, the body needs nutrients to function optimally as it faces the demands of the new day. But should breakfast be high in protein (i.e., eggs)?  Or high in soluble fiber (oatmeal)?  Is a shake made with some type of milk, a banana, and yogurt a good way to start the day?  In Japan, breakfast often consists of miso soup and rice.  Is this healthy?  For American children, it is a sweetened, but highly fortified cereal.  What's up with that?

The truth is, all of the above examples have some merit.  If you are an athlete (or are as active as one), eggs can make sense.  For the child who would otherwise skip this meal, a fortified cereal with some type of milk is just fine.  The American palate may cringe at the thought of miso soup, but it contains soy protein and is easy on one's stomach.  Oatmeal with some kind of fruit (banana, blueberries, or dates) is my personal favorite because of its cholesterol-lowering qualities.  But all the other examples have had their place in my life at one time or another.  As long as it is balanced, like the protein shake with skim, rice, or soy milk, your favorite yogurt, and 1/2 of a frozen banana, even a "liquid" breakfast can be good for you.

The truth is, we know our bodies and what it is that they are craving after the night's fast.  As I said before, on most mornings I eat some form of oatmeal, generally with fruit.  But there are certain mornings when I crave protein and, on those days, I'll make an egg-white omellette with low-fat cheese and some vegetables in it.  On the side I'll have a slice of whole grain toast. 

If you have high or borderline cholesterol, oatmeal really is your best choice for breakfast.   And it doesn't have to be monotonous.  You can have old-fashioned oats with brown sugar and raisins; steel cut oats; oats with wheat germ and sliced banana on top; and even baked oatmeal.   If you are in a hurry, or are someone who prefers cold cereals, a high protein, high-fiber one like the Go Lean cereals by Kashi are outstanding.  But whatever your situation, the important thing is to start your day with breakfast.  Studies have shown that people who skip this all-important meal tend to actually eat more throughout the day, and later in the day when the calories are harder to burn off. 

So...that's the skinny on breakfast!  Until next time, happy and healthy eating!