Break for Breakfast

More than one study has found that people who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to lose weight and keep it off. This is because breakfast eaters generally eat less fat and fewer calories throughout the day than breakfast skippers. Plus, a healthy breakfast revs up your metabolism, waking it up from the night-long fast. If you don’t eat until lunch, your body can’t make the enzymes it needs to metabolize fat.

If you think you don’t have time to eat a breakfast, keep in mind that any breakfast is better than no breakfast at all. That said, however, it’s best to stay away from the pastries and doughnuts. Try cereal, fruit and whole-grain toast or cottage cheese. If you stop at the convenience store, head for the yogurt, fruit, trail mix or a whole-grain breakfast bar.