The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) and Kellogg have teamed up to remind Australians about the benefits of breakfast, by launching Australia's first National Breakfast Week.

Research shows that one in four children and nearly one in four adults skip breakfast despite its health benefits1, according to DAA Spokesperson and Accredited Practising Dietitian Kate Di Prima.

"We're issuing a challenge to all Australians to eat breakfast every day during National Breakfast Week, and make this a healthy habit they are committed to every day of the year," she said.

According to Kate, the top five health benefits of eating breakfast are:

1. Breakfast improves alertness, concentration, mental performance and memory;
2. People who eat breakfast get more essential nutrients and are more likely to have better diets overall;
3. Breakfast eaters are more likely to be a healthy weight than those who don't eat breakfast;
4. Eating breakfast boosts your metabolism;
5. Breakfast gets you going in the morning - it provides energy and important nutrients.

"Healthy eating really is the key to healthy living - a good breakfast ensures you start the day with essential nutrients and energy to boost your metabolism and help you get through the morning," said Di Prima.

A healthy breakfast is one that provides a variety of foods, is low in saturated fat, high in carbohydrates, contains fibre and provides vitamins and minerals.

"There are lots of great options for breakfast, whether you choose to eat it at home, at your desk or even on the run," said Di Prima.

"A bowl of cereal for example, is an easy way to get essential vitamins and minerals, as well as to provide fuel to keep people of all ages going.

"Of course there are some not-so-good choices, and an Accredited Practising Dietitian can help guide you to make the best choices for both breakfast and your diet overall," she said.

"The most important message is don't skip breakfast!" Di Prima concluded. To find out more information on the importance of breakfast please visit http://www.kelloggs.com.au/Home/Promotions/tabid/597/Default.aspx
http://www.daa.asn.au/

1 O'Dea, J (2001) University of Sydney

Source
Dietitians Association of Australia