04.25.12
A protein-rich breakfast plays a key role increasing satiety and energy, and according to new research presented at IFT Wellness 12 in Chicago, IL, it should be an essential breakfast component for school-aged children, as it does a better job of increasing fullness and decreasing caloric intake at later meals. “Breakfast consumption has gradually declined over the past 50 years—and this has mirrored the rise in obesity,” said Heather Leidy, PhD, University of Missouri. “In our clinical trial we worked with teen girls who had a habit of skipping breakfast. By having them eat a normal protein breakfast and then a protein rich breakfast after a wash-out period, we were able to observe the positive results that protein was making in their ability to concentrate and their diet throughout the rest of the day.” The “normal protein” breakfasts consisted of ready-to-eat cereals and contained 13 grams of protein. The protein-rich meals consisted of protein-enhanced waffles or breakfast burritos and contained 35 grams of protein. Both the normal protein and protein-rich breakfasts contained 350 calories. While both breakfast meals led to increased feelings of fullness throughout the morning compared to those who skipped breakfast, the protein rich breakfasts also led to an even greater feeling of satiety and less snacking throughout
the day.