Why you should never skip breakfast?
We already said that never skip breakfast for a healthy heart. Now this statement has been proved by The American Heart Association.
When you live a busy lifestyle, it can be hard to make time for breakfast, but new research suggests it could be very worthwhile indeed to ensure you load up on porridge before you start your day.
Perhaps it’s known as the ‘most important meal of the day’ for a reason. Because the one in four of us who regularly skip breakfast could be putting their heart at risk.
The American Heart Association released a statement suggesting the healthiest people are those who typically plan their meals ahead and eat them at regular, well-spaced intervals. These people are also more likely to eat a nutritious diet and consume less junk food.
Victoria Taylor, a dietitian at the British Heart Foundation said:
“In the UK our lifestyles have become more demanding and as a result our meal patterns have become more varied and irregular. Compared with 30 years ago, more meals are skipped or eaten on the go, and later in the day. This study shows that it’s not only what we eat but also when we eat it that affects our risk of heart disease.”
“What we eat is still important, but when we are rushed it can seem simpler to just grab what is available rather than seeking out a healthy choice. Taking a few minutes to plan ahead before you do your food shop will help to ensure that you eat regular meals and make nutritious choices throughout the week.”
Eating regular meals and limiting snacking has been linked to reduced heart disease and stroke risk factors, which include high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Heart experts in the US said people should try to restrict their eating to main meals and warned of the dangers of ’emotional’ eating. Although the scientists did not say when the exact best times to eat meals were, they stated a healthy breakfast should be high in fibre, calcium, potassium and vitamin D.
Professor Marie-Pierre St-Onge of Columbia University, who led the review panel, said:
“Meal timing may affect health due to its impact on the body’s internal clock. We suggest eating mindfully, by paying attention to planning both what you eat and when you eat meals and snacks, to combat emotional eating. Many people find that emotions can trigger eating episodes when they are not hungry, which often leads to eating too many calories from foods that have low nutritional value.”
Article originally shared by Natalie Healey