Ask a trainer

Question: It’s often said breakfast is the most important meal of the day. How true is this? And is just any type of breakfast important (i.e. a muffin, a cup of coffee, an apple), or are there specific foods to eat for a healthy lifestyle? What are the benefits of breakfast?

UMKC weight trainer Jeanne Rankin responds: Many people leave about 12 hours between dinner and breakfast. So what you eat in the morning is the first source of fuel for your day. Failure to eat a good breakfast can leave you feeling tired and groggy all day long because much of your energy stores diminish overnight. Try to eat at least three different types of food in the morning (dairy, vegetable, fruit, meat, grains). Examples of healthy breakfasts are oatmeal, an orange and a glass of milk; a bowl of high-fiber cereal with milk and a banana and two eggs, turkey bacon and wheat bread toast. Last, you should know starting your day off right can actually lower your dependence on caffeine!