Latest news with #breakfast
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Make the case 'GMFB'
The breakfast table try to make their case to judge Sara Walsh in their MVP quarterback, best coach in the NFL and defend their team.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top nutrition expert reveals the fruit you should NEVER eat for breakfast
A dietitan has ranked the worst fruits to eat for breakfast, with surprising results. Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a registered dietitian and the author of How Not To Eat Ultra-Processed, was asked to assess 18 popular fruits - from grapes to oranges, strawberries to pineapple - and give them a nutritional value out of five. She made her ratings based on what vitamins and minerals each fruit naturally contains, how much fiber it has, and its natural sugar levels. Ludlam-Raine then shared the best fruits to enjoy regularly, and named the ones which should be seen more as a treat due to their high sugar content, rather than a daily staple. And it's bad news for people who like to start their day with a platter of tropical fruit. Coming in last with a score of just one out of five was melon, with all varieties -watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and galia - languishing at the bottom of the list. Melons are mostly made up of water, are packed with vitamin C, and in some varieties, vitamin A. However, they are as low in calories as they are in overall nutritional value. Ludlam-Raine said: 'Melon is low in fiber and overall nutrients compared with other fruits', adding that they contain a 'moderate amount of natural sugar'. Second from bottom on the list was pineapple, which scored two out of five. This was because it is high in natural sugars, and it's acidic juices can cause irritation to gums. 'Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and contains bromelain, an enzyme that may aid digestion and reduce inflammation,' Ludlam-Raine explained, adding that the spiky yellow fruit is also rich in manganese, 'which supports metabolism and antioxidant function.' Scoring three out of five, and tying with grapes, were bananas, a go-to breakfast choice of millions of people across the world. Ludlam-Raine said the fruits which are rich in natural sugar do still have lots of health benefits. She said: 'They are a good source of potassium, vitamin B6 and fiber... quick energy and support heart health.' So what fruits should you be piling high on your plate? The dietitian placed oranges, kiwis and berries at the top of her list, giving the colourful, antioxidant rich choices five out of five. In the middle, with four out of five stars, were pears, apples, grapefruits and mangoes. Berries have long been heralded as a super food. All berries are regarded as nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. They have been linked to lower levels of inflammation, which can lead to expansive cell and tissue damage.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Should Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Be Your Biggest Meal? Dietitian Reveals the Answer
You've probably heard saying that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." While there are certainly benefits to starting your morning with a nutritious meal, some people may find it difficult to stomach food after waking up. Maybe you prefer eating a big lunch to break up the workday, or you feel like you need a heavy dinner to fall asleep. Meal timing is highly personal and cultural. Not everyone follows the standard three-meal Western diet: breakfast by 9 a.m., lunch around noon and dinner between 5–8 p.m. But if you do use this eating pattern, you may have wondered which meal should be the biggest. The timing and size of meals does matter — there's even an emerging field dedicated to studying how this affects our health. "Chrononutrition" is the science of how meal timing, the body's 24-hour internal clock (aka circadian rhythm) and metabolism interact, Collin Popp, Ph.D., dietitian and assistant professor in the department of population health at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, tells When you eat — and how much — can impact energy levels, metabolic health, weight, blood sugar and more. So, which meal should be the highest in calories? What about the timing of eating protein, carbohydrates and fats? What Should Be Your Largest Meal of the Day? 'Typically, I advise people to try to eat most of their calories earlier in the day,' says Popp. Ideally, breakfast or lunch should be the largest meals, calorie-wise. "Breakfast doesn't necessarily need to be the biggest, but if you have a small breakfast, try to have a big lunch and a smaller dinner." Even if you prefer to eat several meals throughout the day instead of three main ones, the goal is to shift your calorie intake earlier and avoid eating too late. This strategy is called 'front-loading' calories, says Popp, which has a number of potential benefits. Benefits of a Eating a Large Breakfast or Lunch Front-loading your calories may help improve daytime energy levels, align with your metabolism and aid with blood sugar control. Our metabolism is the process by which our body breaks down food to use as energy, and the energy expended to do this, says Popp. 'We metabolize our food different from morning versus the evening. If I gave you the same meal at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., your body has a different response because of our 24-hour clock." We tend to have a greater metabolic response in the morning, Popp adds, so the body expends more energy to break down food. Eating most of our calories during daylight hours instead of nighttime better aligns with our our body's circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep, he adds. Front-loading calories can kick-start our body for the day. In the morning, our liver's glycogen stores are lower after fasting overnight. Eating a big breakfast replenishes those stores, so we feel more physically and mentally energized. This strategy can also curb hunger and unhealthy cravings. In a 2017 study, researchers found that subjects who ate their largest meal at breakfast or lunch were more likely to lose weight than those who made dinner their largest meal. Finally, eating earlier can be beneficial for blood sugar. 'Our bodies, especially the liver and muscles, which are great regulators of blood sugar, are more sensitive to hormones like insulin in the morning,' says Popp. Downsides of Eating a Large Dinner Eating a large dinner is not inherently unhealthy, but consistently getting the majority of your calories late in the day can have potential downsides, even if you eat healthy, according to Popp. It may disrupt sleep because it interferes with our circadian rhythm or worsens indigestion, negatively impact blood sugar and contribute to weight gain. 'Eating late and eating too many calories after a certain period has been associated with diabetes and obesity," says Popp. Research shows that eating the majority of calories later in the day is associated with a worse glucose tolerance. People with pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes may have a higher blood sugar the morning after eating a large dinner, Popp notes. A small study published in Cell Metabolism in 2023 found that late eating can increase hunger the next day and decrease levels of the appetite-regulating hormone leptin, which may lead to higher calorie consumption and increase the risk of obesity. "If you really want to eat later in the day, keep the meals smaller, balanced, and focus on nutritious, minimally processed foods," says Popp. How to Time Protein, Carb and Fat Intake In addition to meal timing, it's important to consider your intake of carbohydrates, protein and fats. 'It's not always about calories, but also what those meals made of,' says Popp. Protein Protein helps build muscles and keeps us feeling full, which can aid with weight management. "It's best to distribute your protein evenly throughout the day," says Popp, but front-loading protein also has benefits. Eating a protein-rich breakfast can increase satiety throughout the day and help with blood sugar control and insulin resistance. The recommended daily intake of protein is about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for adults — for a 150-pound person, that's about 54 grams of protein per day. However, some people may need to follow a higher-protein diet. High-quality protein options include eggs, beans, lean meats, fish, greek yogurt, tofu, lentils and nuts. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy. While carbs can also be distributed throughout the day, Popp recommends trying to eat more carbs in the morning or midday, especially if you have an active lifestyle. 'We're more sensitive to those carbs in the morning, so we can better burn them for fuel or store them in our muscles as glycogen,' says Popp. It's also optimal load up on carbohydrates before exercise. However, the type of carb matters. Popp cautions against highly processed, refined carbs, such as sugary cereals. Instead, opt for healthier complex carbohydrates, which take longer to digest, such as potatoes, oats, brown rice, bananas and chickpeas. Fats Fats provide long-lasting energy, help the body absorb vitamins, and support brain health. Dietary guidelines recommend fats make up 20-35% of your daily calories, but not all fats are equal. Aim to eat more heart-healthy unsaturated fats, says Popp, and limit or avoid saturated and trans fats. You can distribute healthy fats evenly throughout the day, but eating higher-fat meals earlier in the day may help with energy levels and satiety, Popp adds. Foods high in healthy fats include avocados, extra virgin olive oil, walnuts and salmon. If you eat a higher-fat dinner, Popp recommends pairing it with physical activity after, such as a walk, which may help with digestion before bed. Tips to Eat Earlier in the Day What if you can't stomach breakfast, or even lunch? "I often hear people say they're just not hungry in the morning,' says Popp. Many factors can inhibit hunger in the morning, but a major reason is eating too large of dinner or late snack, says Popp. As a result, you may wake up feeling full and skip breakfast or lunch, then keep shifting your calories later in the day. 'That cycle just repeats itself,' he adds. If you're not a breakfast person but want to change your meal timing, Popp offers several tips. When you wake up, have your favorite foods ready to go — whether it's yogurt, berries or hard-boiled eggs. "Try to eat something at breakfast, even if it's small," says Popp. "Then, try to have a slightly earlier or bigger lunch than normal," and make sure you're getting enough protein, says Popp. If you aren't able to eat breakfast or a big lunch, Popp suggests shifting your dinner earlier. "If you always eat dinner at 8 p.m., try to eat dinner at 5–6 p.m., and make it smaller," says Popp, adding that this may help "reset" your body so you feel hungry the next morning and can change your eating pattern. Always talk to your doctor if you have questions. This article was originally published on
CNET
2 days ago
- Health
- CNET
This 1-Minute Microwave Poached Egg Is the Breakfast Hack I've Been Waiting For
If your morning routine revolves around bagels, cereal or pastries, you're not exactly starting your day with a nutritional mic drop. Most dietitians agree that protein is the MVP of breakfast -- it helps keep blood sugar steady, supports muscle health and keeps you full long after your coffee buzz wears off. Even a smoothie packed with fruit and nut butter can sneak in more sugar than you'd expect. That's why eggs still reign supreme in the breakfast arena and a recent study flips decades of concern about cholesterol levels in them. Eggs are loaded with high-quality protein, cook fast and play nice with just about any ingredient. And if you want eggs without the stovetop cleanup? Enter the microwave-poached egg -- a one-minute, no-mess fix that deserves a spot in your morning lineup. It's the easiest way to level up your protein without leveling your kitchen. I started making them daily a year ago and the fluffy balls of protein have become a staple of my morning menu, served simply over whole grain toast or alongside fresh avocado for a lighter start to the day. CNET I'm not the only one taking advantage of this easy breakfast. After a Reddit deep dive spotting many microwave egg poachers, I found a nugget of advice everyone should know before sticking an egg in the radiation box: Avoid yolk explosions by poking it through with a toothpick. Read more: Achieve Your Daily Protein Goals With This Simple Visual Guide Here's how I make a perfect poached egg in one minute or less. How to make poached eggs in a microwave Step 1: Fill a ramekin with about a half-cup of salted, room-temperature water. It must be enough to submerge the egg. You'll want enough water to submerge the egg but not spill over the top of the ramekin. David Watsky/CNET Step 2: Crack one egg and drop it into the water carefully, trying not to disturb its structural integrity. Step 3: Place the ramekin in the microwave and cook on high for about 45 seconds, or longer if you prefer a firmer yolk. Cook the submerged egg for 40 seconds for a runny yolk and closer to a minute for a firm one. David Watsky/CNET Step 4: Remove the egg gently from the water with a slotted spoon or wire skimmer. Lift your egg carefully out of the water with a slotted spoon or mesh strainer. David Watsky/CNET Step 5: Serve over toast or a bed of greens with avocado, hot sauce, chili crisp and other accompaniments. In one or two tries you'll be able to fine-tune your poached egg to your perfect doneness and then nail it every time. David Watsky/CNET Note: The base temperature for any microwave will vary and, thus, cook times may also. Try 40 to 45 seconds for your first effort, then add five-second increments for subsequent tries until you achieve the desired doneness. How to serve poached eggs Stick that fluffy puff of protein on a piece of toast with some spinach, top it all with flaky salt, hot sauce or hollandaise and you have a cafe-quality breakfast in less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee. You can also use them to top a salad or serve over rice with pickled vegetables and chili crisp for a light lunch. More time-saving cooking hacks? Cooking bacon in the oven is the cleanest method and results in even crispier strips with no greasy stovetop to clean after. A fast boil of water with these two pantry ingredients lifts stubborn stains from your best cookware without all the manic scrubbing. Here are nine more cooking hacks that save time, energy and money. If you don't want to cook at all, this is my favorite prepared meal delivery service for 2025. FAQs What should I pair with my poached eggs? A small batch of bacon cooked in the air fryer can be another quick protein value add to your breakfast in the morning and it's a perfect pairing with your microwave-poached egg. How do I prevent my poached egg from exploding? You can prevent your egg yolk from exploding by starting with a small increment of time in the microwave, like 45 seconds. If you need to heat the egg more, you can add increments of five seconds as needed. Poking the egg yolk with a toothpick before putting the egg in the microwave may also help prevent an explosion during or after poaching the egg.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Wetherspoons' sales are booming – and it has one beer to thank
JD Wetherspoon has announced a significant surge in its recent sales, driven by the exceptional performance of Guinness and a notable rebound in breakfast demand. The pub group, which operates 794 establishments across the United Kingdom and Ireland, reported a 5.1 per cent increase in like-for-like sales for the three months ending 20 July, compared to the previous year. Sales volumes have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels after earlier concerns about a sluggish recovery across its estate. Beyond breakfasts, robust draught sales were highlighted, with Guinness proving particularly popular, alongside growth in wine and an improvement in spirits. This surge in demand for the Irish stout aligns with consistent reports from Guinness maker Diageo, which has noted its rapid growth in popularity. Favourable weather conditions during the period also boosted visitor numbers, allowing many Wetherspoon pubs to capitalise on their beer gardens. Wetherspoon's chairman Tim Martin said: 'Draught volumes are performing strongly with Guinness being the standout performer. 'On the food front, breakfasts, terribly slow post-pandemic, have recovered their lustre and are now well ahead. 'Chicken, also, has put in a clucking good performance and volumes in recent weeks are up by about 50 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels.' increases to employers' national insurance contributions and the minimum wage. It has previously warned it is facing a £60 million hit from the higher business costs. Mr Martin has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to equalise the VAT paid on food by pub and restaurant businesses with that of supermarkets to mitigate the loss. Most food and drink in shops has zero VAT whereas restaurants and pubs have a standard rate of 20 per cent. 'This tax advantage allows supermarkets to subsidise the price of beer they sell,' Mr Martin said. 'The VAT distortions that exist today will inevitably create more supermarkets and less pubs.' Nonetheless, the group has said it plans to invest in its pubs over the year ahead, including staff rooms and gardens. It also hopes to open another 30 sites.
