Reap the weight loss benefits of a balanced breakfast

Published: 19 January 2011

Some of us may remember our parents nagging us to eat breakfast as we rushed out of the door on route to school. “It’s the most important meal of the day” they’d tell us. Well, guess what? They were right.

As we move further into 2011, many people will have made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. Some dieters believe that the less they eat or by skipping meals, the more weight they will lose but in fact, this approach could prove counter-productive because it can cause the metabolism to slow down and can lead to snacking or over-eating later in the day. The best way to kick start your metabolism into action each day is to eat a healthy, nutritionally balanced breakfast.

Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast can help to give you:

• a more nutritionally complete diet higher in nutrients, vitamins and minerals
• improved concentration and performance in the office
• more strength and endurance to engage in physical activity
• lower cholesterol levels.

There are many different healthy options that you could consider and fry up’s aren’t even out of the question. A traditional fry up can contain as many as 700 calories but by grilling your sausages and bacon and poaching your eggs, you can save a massive 400 calories.

Other healthy breakfast options could include:

• boiled eggs and soldiers (the protein in the eggs may help to keep you fuller for longer and the carbohydrates will give you the energy to get on with your day)
• toast topped with any of the following low-fat toppings – grilled tomatoes, scrambled egg made with skimmed milk, mushrooms, grilled, lean bacon, low fat spread, or yeast extract.
• A bowl of no added sugar cereal or porridge with fruit or your choice

Alternatively why not try our recipe for tasty apple and apricot breakfast muffins at only 134 calories per serving and 0.5g saturated fat.