"Have breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper."

Think back to last time you had a hearty, healthy, full breakfast, whether it was on holidays in a resort or last weekend at the local café. How did you feel for the rest of the day - energized, alert and happy?

There is no doubt that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A healthy breakfast gives your body energy to get through the morning and also boosts your metabolism to burn more fat and help you lose weight!

Overnight your metabolic rate decreases because while you are asleep the body is running on minimal energy. When you wake up you need to break your overnight fast (hence the name breakfast) and fuel the body for the day’s activities. 
 
You wouldn't risk driving across the city to work if your car’s petrol gauge was sitting on empty, it is the same with the body.

When breakfast is skipped, the body’s metabolism remains low until lunchtime or even later. This impacts food choices later in the day because there is a higher likelihood of overeating or choosing less nutritious ‘quick’ options because of excessive hunger.

Apart from speeding up your metabolism, a healthy breakfast provides the body with necessary vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

Tips for eating a healthy brekky

- Set the table and get out cereals and bowls the night before

- Prepare Bircher muesli or cut fruit the night before

- Have wholegrain breads and cereals readily available

Authored By Mark Griffin