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About Low-Fat Breakfast Foods
Overview
Low-fat breakfast foods provide the energy you need to start your day without harming your health. In this era of fast food, it may seem impossible to eat a healthy breakfast. However, most low-fat breakfast foods are easy to prepare and eat on the go. A banana, granola bar or box of juice can all be enjoyed in the car or office. The benefits of low-fat breakfast foods far outweigh the extra time they take to obtain.
Significance
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It refuels your body and replenishes blood sugar, vitamins and nutrients. After resting at least eight hours without nourishment, the body needs food to restore glucose, the main source of the body's energy. Eating low-fat breakfast foods accomplishes this task while maintaining good health and nutrition. Fatty foods will give a temporary spike in blood sugar and leave you feeling hungry. Low-fat breakfast foods release energy throughout the day, delaying hunger by maintaining blood sugar levels.




Types
There are many choices for low-fat breakfast foods. To make a healthy breakfast, choose at least one fruit, grain, dairy and protein. Fruit can be 100 percent pure juice or a serving of fresh fruit such as grapefruit, orange, banana or berries. Grains include whole-grain toast or bagels, whole-grain hot or cold cereals, oatmeal or bran muffins. Dairy group items include skim milk, low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese. Hard boiled eggs, peanut butter or lean meat are proteins for a healthy and low-fat breakfast.
Effects
Low-fat breakfast foods can have a huge impact on physical and mental faculties. They promote concentration, problem solving skills, strength, endurance, alertness and creativity as opposed to heavy, fat-laden breakfast foods. These foods will help regulate the appetite throughout the day and contribute to reduced total fat intake. Eating healthy, low-fat foods in the morning will increase productivity and efficiency while providing the nutrients your body needs to function. Fast foods, although convenient, do not promote health and nutrition.
Benefits
Low-fat breakfast foods have many health benefits. They provide the body with more nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This can help lower cholesterol and prevent disease. Eating a low-fat breakfast can aid weight loss. Skipping breakfast or eating fatty foods results in greater hunger later in the day. This leads to eating more at lunch and dinner, increasing the chance of weight gain.
Prevention/Solution
Low-fat breakfast foods need not be labor intensive. Plan ahead and wake up earlier to prepare and enjoy a healthy breakfast. Take something with you to work or school if pressed for time. Avoid fast food in the morning or, if you must, order a whole-wheat bagel or fresh fruit. Most fast food restaurants have begun to incorporate low-fat breakfast foods into the menu for the health conscious. Most importantly, make a decision to eat healthy and stick to it.
Resources
Healthy Breakfast Information from the Mayo Clinic
Healthy Eating Strategies