According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, nearly one in three American children are overweight or obese, which increases their risk for developing obesity-related chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. New research in adolescents demonstrates that a protein-rich breakfast, containing eggs, improves appetite control and additional research shows that a higher protein diet may help obese adolescents manage weight.
Protein for Breakfast Helps Teens Control Appetite
In a recent study published online in the International Journal of Obesity researchers examined the impact of a protein-rich breakfast on adolescents who traditionally skipped breakfast. When the study participants ate a protein-rich breakfast the researchers observed that the teens were less hungry and ate approximately 130 fewer calories at lunch.
"We observed that eating breakfast, regardless of composition, led to increased feelings of fullness (satiety). However, when the adolescents ate a breakfast rich in protein, they also experienced a reduction in hunger, thus maximizing the beneficial effects of protein," says Heather J. Leidy, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Missouri and study author. "This study supports similar findings in adults that showed that when adults ate breakfast meals containing high-quality protein foods, including eggs and lean Canadian bacon, they had a greater feeling of satiety throughout the day compared to when protein was eaten at lunch or dinner."
Additional Research
"These findings are important because they arm teens and their families with practical advice that can be implemented at home," says Dave Ellis, R.D., C.S.C.S., a nutrition consultant who works with athletes and families. "Protein-rich foods, such as eggs, can keep individuals satisfied longer, helping them consume fewer calories throughout the day."
Making the Most of Breakfast Kids and teens need protein to grow and stay healthy. High-quality protein food sources like eggs provide the building blocks they need to grow and the energy they need to stay focused throughout the day. As the school year comes to a close, it is important to set healthy summer habits starting with a nutrient-rich breakfast. Chef Jeffrey Saad, a father of two, shares the following breakfast recipes, for an affordable, nutritious and delicious breakfast from scratch in minutes:
- Mini Breakfast Pizzas - Top a toasted English muffin with pizza sauce, scrambled eggs, a sprinkling of cheese and a dash of oregano for a breakfast even the pickiest eaters will love.
- Breakfast Quesadillas - Quick breakfast quesadillas with a little cheese and Canadian bacon are sure to hit the spot. Speed things up by scrambling your eggs in the microwave!
- Hard-cooked Eggs - Hard cooking eggs ahead of time is a great way to save time during the week. Just slice and add to a sandwich or eat as-is for a nutritious start to the day.
For More Information
- To learn more about high-quality protein and the nutritional benefits of eggs, visit the Egg Nutrition Center at www.enc-online.org.
- For protein-rich egg recipes and preparation tips, visit the American Egg Board at www.incredibleegg.org.
Another study published in The Journal of Pediatrics demonstrated that severely obese adolescents who followed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) after 13 weeks and were also able to maintain weight loss after six months versus those who followed a low-fat diet. The obese adolescents who followed the high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet also experienced greater fat mass loss and reductions in triglyceride levels.
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