« Making too many changes at once - Big mistake. | Main | How bad is the average guy's diet? »
January 20, 2006
The AM Advantage
Is your idea of a great start to the day a few presses of the "snooze" button followed by a cup of coffee, shower and trip to the office? If the answer is yes, then you're definitely jeopardizing your weight loss success. In fact, according to Cynthia Sass, M.P.H., M.A., R.D., what you do (or don’t do) in the morning determines whether your metabolism gets revved up or stays in park all day.
Here are four ways to take advantage of the early hours:
Weigh In: Hitting the scale or tape measure first thing in the morning (after you’ve gone to the bathroom) is a good way to assess your progress. "As soon as you have time to eat, drink or work out, you’re impacting the number on the scale," says Sass.
Eat! It may seem counter-intuitive, but eating is the best way to boost your metabolism. If you stay in a food-deprived state after eight hours of sleep, your system will prepare for starvation by conserving energy. It’s a fact that people who eat breakfast consume fewer calories, take in less fat and cholesterol and weigh less, too.
Choose Wisely: While any food is better than nothing, what you eat in the AM will impact your calorie intake for the rest of the day. "A breakfast that’s 50 percent carbohydrates and 25 percent each protein and fat, along with at least five grams of fiber, will help maintain blood sugar levels and stave off hunger," says Sass. Good examples: whole grain toast with a thin layer of peanut butter and a banana, oatmeal with chopped walnuts and berries or whole grain cereal with skim milk and fruit.
Get Moving: Even if it’s just stretching while you wait for your coffee to brew or taking your dog for a 10-minute walk, any movement you do in the morning will improve your circulation and boost your energy level. Making exercise part of your morning routine has two benefits: Not only are you more likely to be consistent, but you also ensure that nothing gets in the way of your workout.
Posted by Lisa at January 20, 2006 11:36 AM
Trackback Pings
To send a trackback, use this url. If you know anything about this subject, please post a comment.