Jotal’ Nutrition) Looking for a Great Way to Watch Your Weight? Starting With A Bowl Of Cereal Can Get You There NAPSA)—Agrowing number of studies are showing that breakfast—especially a cereal breakfast—is associated with slimmer bodies and better weight control. Some of the best arguments for the breakfast-and-weight link come from the National Weight Control Registry NWCR)—an ongoing study of people who have lost a significant amount of weight and keptit off. Eighty percent of the registry’s 3,000 members eat breakfast. These people, on average, have lost at least 30 pounds and maintained that loss for more than a year. What’s the link with breakfast? Often dieters skip breakfast hoping to trim a few calories first thing in the morning. But, researchers believe eating in the morning may reduce hunger later in the day—hunger which might otherwise lead to overeating. Janet Wilson, a self-proclaimed yo-yo dieter fully understands that concept. “When I skip breakfast, I get so hungry that by lunchtime I’ve either eaten junk food to tide me over or I eat more than I should at lunch.” Scientists also think breakfast eaters may be better able than breakfast skippers to resist fatty and high calorie foods throughout the day. Bonnie Chapman and Jani Bielenberg, both members of the NWCR and have lost more than 50 pounds and have kept it off for more than five years, agree with that theory. “Eating breakfast, specifically a cereal breakfast, keeps us full and helps stop our food cravings,” Chapman said. “The cravings tended to be for pretty rich, high calorie foods.” Cereal benefits A bow! of cereal, especially whole-grain cereals such as Cheerios, Wheaties, Total and Wheat Chex, in particular has surfaced as an influential part of a weightreducing plan. Sixty percent of the NWCR members say they “always”or “usually” eat a bowl of cereal as part of their meal. Note to Editors: This is series IV—6 of 26. Data from the Nielsen’s National Eating Trends Survey shows that women whoare frequent cereal eaters eating cereal more than seven times in a twoweek period) weigh, on average, about nine pounds less than women whoeat cereal less frequently or not at all. For men the difference was six pounds. Data from the survey also shows that those who do not eat cereal or eat cereal infrequently are more likely to be overweight or obese. A study of weight trends in multiethnic women found cereal to be an indicator of successful weight control as well. Eating ready-to-eat cereal was inversely related to body mass index BMD), a general measurement of what proportion of your body weight is fat. Women whoate cereal tended to have a lower BMI. Whatto do Based on the experience of many and the studies done to date, it appears that Moms are right aren't we always!) and that Americans should heed the timeless advice to eat breakfast every day. Dr. Jim Hill, co-director of the NWCR and the registry’s lead researcher has seen its valuefirsthand. “It’s striking, not just that breakfast eating is a frequent behavior among our members, but that such a high proportion of them report eating it every day of the week.” A Great Start Toward Total Nutrition—An early breakfast may not be for everyone. Some people have a hard time eating right after they get up. The key is to eat by mid-morning before uncontrollable hunger takes over. Quick, Portable Breakfasts Ready-to-eat, whole-grain cereal mixed with nuts and driedfruit Favorite low-fat yogurt topped with berries and whole-grain cereal Peanut butter-banana sandwich Shake made from milk, yogurt and fruit) Wrap—iortilla, ham, cheese, shredded carrots and lettuce
