Eat Breakfast and Lose the Weight?

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

We have always been told to eat our breakfast and that breakfast is the most important meal of the day!  But how important is it?  A recent study published in Obesity Research has shown that eating breakfast on a regular basis is a common characteristic among people who have been successful at losing weight and keeping it off.  

Many Americans admit to skipping breakfast for all types of reasons: no time, to cut daily calorie intake, etc... However, this new study found that daily calorie intake of  people who eat breakfast and those that skip were about the same.  Another words people that skip breakfast to cut daily calorie intake usually end up making up the calories later on throughout the day. 

Eating breakfast and balancing your meals throughout the day is conducive to a successful weight management plan.  Eating breakfast can help you to better control your calorie intake at your next meal or snack.  If you find yourself tempted to skip this important meal, make a point of grabbing quick foods such as fruit, yogurt, instant oatmeal, granola bar, 1/2 turkey sandwich, whole-wheat bagel with peanut butter or cottage cheese.  

What Americans Eat Today

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

Wonder why obesity is on the rise as well as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other debilitating diseases?  Ask no more!  Compared to the 1970's, Americans now consume...

*20% less beef, but nearly twice as much chicken and turkey.  We now consume slightly more poultry than beef.

*50% more grain products (mostly white bread, pasta and corn for snack chips).  Only a tiny portion are whole-grain products.  

*25% more fruits and vegetables.  But we are choosing the same ones over and over.  Potatoes alone account for more than 30% of our vegetable servings, with most ending up as fries or chips.  Iceberg lettuce (which has little nutrient content) is the #2 veggie!!

*75% more cheese, but 22% less milk.  Of all servings of dairy products, 2/5 is cheese.  Mozzarella consumption has gone up 360%.  We now drink more nonfat and reduced-fat milk than whole.

*75% more vegetable oil, 25% more shortening, but 25% less margarine.

*30% more added sugars.  We consume, on average, the equivalent of 34 teaspoons of added sugars a day, which is more than 500 calories.  Our intake of non-diet pop has risen 65%.

The bottom line is that Americans are eating more of almost everything and that means more calories everyday.  People need to learn and be educated on a healthy diet and how to fit one into their everyday lives!  Need a change in your everyday diet?  Contact Nutrition Focus for help!!

Kim@Nutrifocus.net