Breakfast has always been a debatable meal in the weight-loss world. While some feel it’s an unnecessary source of fat and calories, others can’t imagine their day without it! So the question still stands: do you need to eat breakfast if you’re trying to lose weight?

Breakfast: A Healthy Habit

As soon as we wake up, we’re faced with decisions. Will you push the snooze button or get out of bed? Will you rush to start your day or take time to relax and adjust yourself? As soon as you start making decisions that will benefit your health, the better off you will be.

Maybe you don’t get hungry in the morning, or maybe you want to save on calories for later in the day. These are both common responses to why many people don’t eat breakfast. But as it turns out, this important meal can actually help you in those areas.

Breakfast Benefits

By establishing breakfast as a routine part of the day, you can:

• Jump-start your metabolism
• Regulate and improve your blood sugar levels
• Fuel-up for the day ahead with energy from food
• Gain focus and increase concentration
• Reduce hunger levels throughout the day
• Prevent later-day cravings for carbs, sugars and salt
• Contribute to building strength and endurance

Healthy Breakfast Foods

Gone are the days when breakfast consisted of a sugary bowl of cereal or a gas station doughnut. Breakfast can aid tremendously with weight-loss, but only if you make a habit of eating nutrient-dense, balanced foods. Some great healthy breakfast examples include:

• Scrambled, poached or fried eggs cooked with olive oil
• Greek yogurt topped with fresh blueberries or small apple pieces
• Oatmeal flavored with honey and spices vs. added sugar
• Whole-grain, low-sugar cereal with almond milk
• A homemade smoothie made with fresh fruits and veggies, low on sugar
• Sliced bananas and apples with low-sugar nut butter
• Avocado toast with eggs on whole-grain bread

Wrapping it Up

Breakfast may not be for everyone, but only you can decide that. However, if planned in advance and made from nutrient-dense foods that are portioned out correctly, it can aid with weight-loss goals in many ways. That’s why some refer to it as the most important meal of the day!