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Can you really eat more food and lose more weight? When it comes to breakfast, the answer appears to be yes. A study of obese women found that those subjects who ate a high-calorie meal in the morning that contained both carbohydrates and lean protein, and even some chocolate, lost almost five times as much weight as women on a restrictive, low-carbohydrate diet.
In the study, a group of obese women ate 1,240 calories at breakfast, about half their total calories for the day. Their breakfasts included milk, lean meat, cheese, whole grains, one fat serving and one ounce of milk chocolate or candy. A control group ate a restricted high-protein, low carbohydrate breakfast that contained 1,085 calories a day. They each followed their diets for eight months.
The results: Those on the restrictive diet lost an average of almost 9 pounds, while those who ate the big breakfast lost nearly 40 pounds. The big eaters also reported feeling less hungry and had fewer carbohydrate cravings.
The researchers, who presented their findings at the Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in 2008, explain why. In the morning, your body needs fuel. If you don't eat or eat too little, your body takes energy from your muscle tissue. When you eat later, the food is stored as fat rather than converted to energy.
In addition, food cravings are lowest in the morning. Later, when cravings kick in, you associate food—especially serotonin-boosters such as chocolate—with good feelings, which can start a cycle of addictive eating. So eating them when cravings are low can break the connection between food and mood.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before making any big changes to your diet.
SOURCES: The Endocrine Society; National Library of Medicine 46887
9/16/08
The information provided is intended to help you make informed decisions. The Genworth Financial companies do not provide medical information, advice or recommendations. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen. Please note that Wellness partners, their products, services, and offers may change over time.
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