The answer is yes! It really is that important.
First of all - look at the root of the word itself. Breakfast - it literally means to break the fast. Your body has been at rest all night long. For most people that is between 6 and 8 hours of sleep - inactivity.

However, even when your body is resting it requires energy for such basic things as blood circulation, breathing and fuel for your organs. It is also always busy repairing damaged cells and growing new ones. Calories expended to cover these basic functions are your Basal Metabolic Rate(BMR). Since you are actually "burning fuel" during those hours it seems to make sense that you would need to refuel at some point. So don't think that things only get started when you get out of bed and are about to start the new day. Your metabolism has been working through the night.

Then, all of a sudden you are bounding out of bed...okay, maybe it isn't quite that dramatic but don't most of us wish we were like that? Anyway, the morning comes and we get out of bed and begin another day. Gradually, over the first hour or so, our bodies begin to ramp up. If we don't have the proper fuel it will take longer to get to speed. Our bodies "expect" a jump start and are looking for the fuel to get us working at optimum again.

Many people believe they will lose weight if they skip breakfast. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, recent studies such as one done at Harvard University, indicate that people who miss breakfast are four times more likely than others to become obese. Other studies have shown that a diet high in fiber helpto minimize the risk of heart disease, stroke and colon cancer. Eating a good breakfast consisting of a highfiber cereal and/or some fruit can certainly fit the bill.

So, with the abundance of evidence pointing toward eating a healthy breakfast versus avoiding breakfast at all, or perhaps worse, eating a high sugar breakfast doesn't it make sense that the old adage is true? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eat a healthy breakfast tomorrow and see how much better you feel! Wait--make that "eat a healthy vegetarian breakfast tomorrow and see how much better you feel"!

For some great ideas click click here to go to our breakfast recipes section.