Why is breakfast so important?

• Generally, there is a long break between the evening meal and breakfast. Overnight glucose (blood sugar stores) tend to be depleted. So, to ensure your energy levels get back on track, breakfast is important to refuel and help cope with an energetic day that may lay ahead.
• Studies show that breakfast helps with weight control. Eating breakfast means you are more likely to snack less during the day. If you don't eat breakfast, you are more likely to eat more and make unhealthy food choices. At school students may be inclined to eat all of their lunch at interval, leaving nothing to eat at lunchtime, leading to hunger and more snacking. 
• Breakfast is important for concentration and mental performance. 
• Breakfast is one of the three main meals of the day. Try to choose nutritional, low sugar, high fibre (fills you up, helps to prevent snacking). Some good options are: Weetbix, porridge, muesli (with or without fruit), peanut butter or banana, or eggs on wholegrain toast. If you would like ongoing help or advice on improving your diet and well-being, please come and see me in the Health Clinic.

Jenny Shurville, Health Nurse