Skipping Breakfast Affects People of All Ages

From Canadian Health & Lifestyle Magazine:

You’ve heard people say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s true for people of ALL ages, but it’s even more important depending on how old you are. Consider these facts:

• Children between ages 6 and 11. Studies show that skipping breakfast at this age has a noticeable impact on a child’s ability to succeed in school – especially when it comes to short-term memory challenges, and basic math solving. Researchers say it’s because children need a lot of fuel for their growing cells to thrive. So if they don’t eat breakfast, their cells starve – which means the brain can’t learn, and muscles can’t grow. The good news is that glucose is the brain’s #1 fuel, a single hard-boiled egg is a perfect meal. Because the vitamin B and iron in eggs is like jet-fuel for glucose – rocketing energy directly to brain cells.
  
  
• Adolescents from ages 12 to 17. A report by The International Journal of Food and Science found that teens who skip breakfast are more at risk of developing eating disorders – like anorexia or bulimia. They’re also 51% more likely to become overweight! That’s because a lack of food in the morning triggers over-eating later in the day. The fix? Get your teen in the habit of eating a bowl of whole grain cereal with milk each morning. That’ll supply a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Studies show they’ll be more likely to make healthier food choices all day long.
  
  
• Here’s what happens to grown-ups who skip breakfast. Studies have shown a dramatic link between that morning meal, and the ability to maintain weight. So the number on your scale will start rising and that fluctuation can lead to higher cholesterol, and lower insulin – a perfect recipe for diabetes! What’s more, your erratic blood sugar will set you up for a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and depression. So even if you’re rushed for work, mix some blueberries with yogurt. It’s just enough protein to help you feel full longer, and eat less junk.

Bottom line: Breakfast should never be considered an “optional” meal.