Eating Breakfast is Only Half the Story

For what seems like forever nutritionists have been urging people not to skip breakfast. A number of studies show that skipping breakfast is directly correlated to weight gain- breakfast-skippers are far more likely to be overweight or obese than those who eat breakfast on a regular basis.

Eating breakfast also correlates with better performance and concentration at school and work, better energy and improved well-being.

But God is in the details, and those of us who have been on the breakfast bandwagon seemed to have left out one of the most important of those details: what's on the breakfast menu.

Because all bets are off if you choose the wrong foods, breakfast or no-breakfast.

In a new study just published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers did indeed confirm once again that breakfast-eaters in general eat less calories during the day, and that women breakfast -eaters (but not men) have lower BMIs (a measure of overweight).

But the study also showed that when you eat a really high-calorie breakfast you're more likely to eat more calories during the day, not less- and that the average intake of important nutrients like calcium falls!

When you think about it, this makes sense.

Really high-calorie breakfasts are almost certain to include junk like pastries, donuts, super-calorie lattes and other "foods" that have nothing to do with reaping the benefits of a solid, high-protein, low-calorie breakfast that's been shown to moderate cravings and weight gain. In fact a high calorie junk food breakfast is far more likely to lead to cravings and overeating during the day- exactly the opposite of what you want.

The moral of the story: Don't skip breakfast. But do skip the donuts.

Give the Gift of Jonny for the Holidays

OK I cringed when writing that headline- my only excuse is that my brilliant webmaster and marketing guru Christopher Loch thought of it, not me. But here's the deal: Amazon is offering a special bundle containing three of my books for just $49.45 (you save $25.48):

• The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
  
  
  
• The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth
  
  
  
• The Healthiest Meals on Earth
  

A lot of people have told me that they were going to give one or more of my books for holiday presents, so maybe this is a good time! Granted the "together" price is about the same as you would get on Amazon if you bought them separately, but still, it's a great deal because Amazon discounts so deeply (34% on each book). I'd be honored if you'd consider giving people you love the whole collection. Or give them as separate gifts.

If you're familiar with the books, skip this next section, but just in case you're not:

The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth tells you the surprising and unbiased truth about foods- which ones are great and why. It's also got some (I hope) interesting essays and information about grass-fed vs. organic meat, farm vs. wild salmon, and the "truth about soy". I'm thrilled to say it's going into its second year as a best-seller and into its fifth printing.

The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth examines the way natural medicine and nutrition (and sometimes modalities like acupuncture or reflexology) can significantly impact a whole host of illnesses and conditions. I also give you "prescriptions" when appropriate, and tell you what the science says (and what it does not).

The Healthiest Meals on Earth is a great companion to "The 150 Healthiest Foods". It puts together over 40 superb meals based on the "Polymeal" concept of making each meal as dense in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, fiber, omegas and anti-inflammatories while tasting unbelievable. The recipes were developed by my associate, the amazing Jeanette Bessinger. The essays on food- and why these meals are so great for you- are by me.

(My really new book- The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy will be out Jan 1st so it's not included, although you can preorder it for $16.49)

Anyway, thanks to Chris for the "Give The Gift of Jonny" idea, and I hope those books give you some inspiration to give those you love the gift of health for this holiday season. After all, there's no greater gift- unless its love- and they kind of go together!