There have been plenty of studies that show the importance of eating breakfast. From keeping us fuller for longer and snacking less throughout the day to promoting greater energy levels, breakfast has long been positioned as the most important meal of the day.
However, if your breakfasts consist of high-sugar cereals and spreads or carbohydrate-packed pastries, you’re most likely not reaping any breakfast benefits. In order to fuel your day, and keep you feeling fuller for longer, many nutritionists recommend a protein-rich brekkie.
1. You’ll eat less calories throughout the day
A study that researched the hunger levels between people who had a high-protein breakfast and those that had a low-protein breakfast showed that protein may help to block the number of some hunger hormones, such as ghrelin, that reach your brain. It’s also why many try and up their intake of protein when trying to lose weight.
With only 205 calories per serve, Herbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix has been scientifically developed to provide a balanced source of healthy nutrition to the body. Super easy to prepare and available in five flavours, the protein-rich shake ensures you have energy for the day and are still getting all your essential vitamins and minerals, all while keeping you feeling full.
2. Manage blood-sugar levels
If you eat breakfast but find yourself feeling lethargic by 10am, it could be that you’re not consuming the right breakfast foods. Toast and cereals often contain large amounts of refined sugar, which cause a spike in blood-sugar levels, which in turn, leads to a blood-sugar crash.
Studies have found that protein slows down the body’s absorption of carbohydrates, which helps to keep blood-sugar levels more even.
3. Boost your workout
Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass and the maintenance of normal bones, and is a component of every cell in our bodies. It’s made up of building blocks called amino acids and is essential for the growth of cells and tissue repair. Many athletes depend on protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and will often consume a protein shake or protein bar before working out to help reduce the impact exercise has on their body.
“As an athlete, I believe in that 30 minute window: within 30 minutes of finishing training, my workout does not finish until I finish my post-workout protein shake,” says former Olympian and now Vice President, Sports Performance and Fitness at Herbalife, Samantha Clayton.
“It’s something that I live by, even now as a mum of four. Protein post-workout is really the key, whether you are a pro athlete or an everyday athlete, everybody needs to get their protein in when they are being active.”
Perfect for those looking for an energy-stimulating breakfast before a workout, Herbalife’s Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix range is rich in minerals and vitamins, including the antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E, that can help fight ‘free radical’ oxygen molecules and help protect your body. Better yet, they can also be blended up with fruit and ice, so you can change-up your shake depending on your mood.
4. Help manage your weight
Nearly half of Australian and New Zealanders skip breakfast, which may be detrimental to their weight loss goals, with research finding dietary protein to have an appetite-suppressing effect, thus providing satiety between meals. In addition, the University of Oxford found that programs incorporating meal replacements led to greater weight loss compared to alternative diets.
5. Boost your mood
Feeling a little flat lately? Studies show our brain is “aware” of our gut microbes, and that this bacteria can influence our perception of the world and alter our behaviour. A protein-rich breakfast will help your brain to function at its optimal level. Eating protein increases the levels of an amino acid called tyrosine, which produces norepinephrine and dopamine – in turn, these give you energy and boost your mood.
Brought to you by Herbalife
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