What is a healthy meal pattern? How important is breakfast anyway?
A healthy meal pattern can vary. It can be 3 well-balanced meals or 6 small meals/snacks. No matter who you are, breakfast is MANDATORY. Skipping breakfast can significantly lower your metabolism for the day. In addition, research suggests that breakfast-eaters are more successful in losing and/or maintaining weight and performing mentally. Many people purposely skip breakfast to avoid “feeling hungry all day”. They’ve noticed by omitting this morning meal, they can go all the way until the afternoon without feeling hungry. If you start your day with a healthy meal, and feel hungry mid to late morning, congratulations!!!! You've got your metabolism going.
Eating 6 small meal/snacks or “eating all the time” can be beneficial as long as your consuming healthy foods. For example, fruits and vegetables should be eaten in abundance. By eating approximately every 3 hours, you can minimize or avoid those moments of monster hunger when you'll typically make unhealthy food choices. If you include breakfast along with other meals/snacks, it will be easier to obtain adequate calories. If you are “starving” by dinner time, you probably didn't get enough calories in throughout the day.
Eating due to emotion, stress, boredom, etc. is a common issue. Our desire to eat (or not eat) and cravings (for refined carbs in particular) is often linked to our mental health. It can be a cycle. Feeling mentally rundown can cause us to want junk food. Eating junk food (in abundance) can make us feel rundown. Don’t underestimate the influence your mental health has on your total body. Contact the Counseling and Testing Center at 334-5874 for your free appointment.
For specific nutrition recommendations, call the Student Health Center at 334-5334 to make an appointment with the RD.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Anna M. Gove Student Health Center, 107 Gray Drive 27412
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE 336.334.5340
FAX 336.334.5343