If you skip breakfast on a regular basis, you may be setting yourself up to develop type 2 diabetes. Eating breakfast increases metabolism and what kinds of foods you eat for this important meal can also have an impact on your ability to lose weight and maintain it.
Protein, Carbohydrates and Insulin Resistance
Eating a breakfast that is higher in protein than carbohydrates improves feelings of satisfaction and fullness. Researchers now understand that foods high in protein send chemicals to the brain that tell the digestive system it is satisfied and reduces the impulse to eat. By eating a breakfast that contains approximately one-third of your daily protein needs, you can avoid the impulse to snack and feel satisfied until lunch.
Carbohydrates, on the other hand, require more time for your body to recognize and feel satisfied with during meals. Eating a breakfast that consists primarily of processed carbohydrates, particularly if it contains high levels of processed sugars, may result in eating more food than necessary. This can lead to weight gain and set your entire day toward the impulse to eat more processed foods between meals, since your body does not feel satisfied.
Researchers have also found that skipping meals can result in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a distinctive characteristic of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes conditions. Interestingly, researchers have found that routinely skipping breakfast can result in a 30 percent increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes because of insulin resistance. However, individuals who eat breakfast can cut their risk of diabetes by 5 percent for each day of the week they eat breakfast.
For people trying to lose weight, breakfast can become an extremely effective tool. Eating a breakfast high in protein can help you lose weight faster and more effectively than only eating two meals a day with most of your calories.
If you do not already start your day with breakfast on a regular basis, consider taking a few minutes to eat a low fat, high protein meal. A cup of yogurt, cottage cheese or eggs can be a great way to boost your metabolism and stave off insulin resistance, improving your overall health.
– The Alternative Daily
