This key may be the easiest of all, but only if you develop a habit of doing it. Eat breakfast!
Always Eat Breakfast – the 5th key, no matter what! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
It is not the most important because of nutritional value, but because the body’s metabolism will increase immediately upon eating after sleep. This allows you to burn more calories and fat earlier in the day. Studies show that those who do not eat breakfast will eat more, later during the day. Also, eat and snack frequently in smaller amounts throughout the day – this is termed meal frequency and has been around for 30 years with athletes.
Think of your body as a race car. If you were going up a hill you would need to give the car more gas or, if you were speeding down the straight-a-way. When you slow down, you give the car less gas. Your body is not unlike the race car; feed your body when it needs it and give it the best quality food. If your body were a Ferrari, would you use the cheapest gas?
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Time appears to be a major issue why people don’t eat breakfast since we are constantly on the go. This problem can be solved by making breakfast for the week on Sunday, putting in containers and then, zapping in a microwave before you race out the door. Try making homemade breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs with veggies or meats as you choose, whole-grain cereal, or oatmeal with raisins. The list is endless, but if you take the time to prepare breakfasts on Sunday, assuming you have a morning time problem during the week. It’s easy to grab one of your containers and quickly heat or even take to the office and heat there if it needs to be heated. Fruits and other quick foods also work. The point is, if you are busy, prepare or purchase something for grab-and-go during the week.
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Don’t skip breakfast because you’re a gym rat. If you cannot do this because of a press for time, drink 4-6 ounces of juice, protein, or other energy drink about 20 minutes prior to your workout. After your workout, be prepared to fuel your body. A good rule for eating after a workout is to eat breakfast about 40 minutes after your workout. No, not an hour and a half, but 40-45 minutes; don’t forget.
Following this type pattern will help you body have the most energy and more importantly, your breakfast will help jump start your day, even if it’s only a piece of toast and cup of coffee. Eat up!
