10 Good reasons to enjoy a healthy breakfast

1.    Energy: Energy levels are maintained and sustained by eating carbohydrate foods which release their energy (glucose) slowly. Eat porridge or wholemeal toast.

2.    Metabolism: Missing breakfast tends to slow down metabolism and makes it harder for the body to burn fat.

3.    Weight:  Eating a low fat, high carbohydrate breakfast is the best way to begin the day,  it will kick start your metabolism which in turn will keep body fat levels under control.

4.    Memory:  The most consistent findings to date suggest that eating breakfast influences the processes involved in the formation and retrieval of memories and in managing complex or challenging information. Breakfast achieves this through its ability to raise blood glucose levels, which makes sure brain cells are in top form.

5.    Concentration and Alertness:  Missing breakfast is an occupational hazard. Research has shown a much lower incidence of work-related accidents for people who eat breakfast. To boost concentration and alleviate tiredness the brain needs feeding to keep it satisfied and alert.

6.    Hunger:  Slow release carbohydrates induce a feeling of satisfaction and fullness which prevents bingeing on high fat and sugary foods later on in the day.

7.    Mood:  The mood-food connection is often ignored:  feeding your brain at the appropriate time, such as first thing in the morning, and with the appropriate nutrients i.e. a high carbohydrate low fat breakfast will cheer you up.!

8.    Stress:  Breakfast is a stress-buster!  To help you get through the anxieties and problems of the day, eat foods rich in serotonin-enhancing carbohydrates and also B complex vitamins such as granary bread and oats, but avoid too much caffeine (especially in the form of coffee) as this will only enhance nervousness and irritability.

9.    Hydration:  Load up on fluids by starting your day with water, fruit juice and/or weak tea – it is important to keep your fluid intake high: drink at least 2 litres
(8 glasses) of fluid per day.

10.    Immunity:  Begin the day with foods rich in vitamins A and C,  B vitamins and zinc. Include some of the following in your diet: citrus fruit, berries, melon, eggs, oily fish, whole grain cereals, wheat germ and oats.