If you're one of those dieters who tries to cut calories by skipping breakfast, your unbalanced approach may be backfiring. In fact, according to a new study, skipping breakfast has just the opposite effect on the BMI of teenagers. It seems to encourage weight gain rather than prevent it.
Researchers stopped short of saying exactly why this happens but speculate it could be a sluggish metabolism at play, a result of overeating out of hunger later in the day, bad snacking habits, or all of the above. Whatever the cause, you know the effect of a few extra pounds a year.
So be sure to start your day with a healthy breakfast, no matter how time-crunched you are. Even a glass of skim milk, a banana and a whole-grain oat bar—or one of these tasty and healthy breakfast ideas for busy students (or anyone else)—will get your weight-management plan for the day off on the right foot.