Alternative Health Blog

Breakfast is a healthy idea based on a stack of research higher than an oversized pile of your favorite buttermilk pancakes. Some scientific bites: One study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology shows people who skip breakfast are more than four to five times likely to gain unwanted weight compared to morning eaters. A University of Colorado study found people who keep a regular breakfast habit are significantly more able to maintain weight loss.

Other research squarely connects eating in the morning to increased mental alertness and improved test performance among students. Those studies are consistent on the cognitive value of breaking the overnight fast before lunchtime at the cafeteria.

OK, so, great, breakfast is good for you, especially if skip the donuts or soda (about 10 to 12 percent of Americans drink a pop at breakfast or as breakfast). But, hey, hello, breakfast is supposed to be consumed in the morning. For many people, that’s the time to rush through a shower, try for the fourth time to wake up your teenager or squeeze in the last minutes of blissful sleep.

“Most people are intimidated time-wise about breakfast,” said Kimberly Mathai, a Seattle-based registered dietitian. “I have noticed in my practice that lots of my clients eat breakfast on the weekends. They like the idea of breakfast, but it is often that the only time people feel they get the best sleep, in those precious 15 minutes before the alarm rings and they have to jump in the shower.”

Mathai said she persuades her clients to “try the nibble thing” if they don’t routinely eat breakfast.

“I keep it simple for people,” she explained. “A handful of nuts [she recommends almonds and walnuts as the best choices for the healthy omega-3 fats], enough to fit in the palm of your hand, that’s a stand-alone breakfast. Or you can combine half a handful with a piece of fruit, then save the rest of the nuts for a mid-morning snack.”

Bob Condor blogs for Alternative Health Journal every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.