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Wednesday September 14, 2005 Previous | Next
Dear Yahoo!:
What are cereal companies talking about when they say 'part of a balanced breakfast'?
Phil
San Diego, California
Dear Phil:
A balanced breakfast should feature at least three of the following food groups:
  • Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt.
  • Protein: beans, peanut butter, eggs.
  • Fruit: bananas, oranges, berries.
  • Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, celery.
  • Grains: toast, tortilla, bagel, cereal.
MITMedical states a balanced breakfast includes proteins, carbohydrates, and a small amount of fat. Carbohydrates should come from whole-grain sources like oatmeal, wheat bread, and cereals with at least three grams of fiber per serving. Good protein sources are eggs, beans, or turkey sausage.

The "balance" of these three should tilt towards carbohydrates, with fiber providing sixty percent of the calories and protein and fat pitching in twenty percent each. The USDA Food Pyramid takes into account age, sex, and physical activity. Check it out for more details.

You've heard it before, but breakfast is important. Breakfast eaters tend to consume less fat and calorie-intensive food during the day. Eating a healthy breakfast can also help you avoid that midafternoon lunch coma.

A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, and lean meats or vegetarian sources of protein like beans. It's also low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. Bon appetit.

 
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