Queenslanders sneak in a second breakfast
QUEENSLANDERS are having two breakfasts each day – and nutritionists are not impressed.
Breakfast skippers have been slammed in the past by health experts, but the tables have turned with a trend towards doubling up on the morning meal.
Workers are having a bite before they leave the house, only to stop and pick up a coffee and more food – usually unhealthy choices – on the way to work.
“People are really falling into the habit of being tempted by high-calorific baked goods when they pop into the coffee shop to order their coffee,” said Brisbane dietitian Kate Di Prima.
“It is not coincidence that lovely, triple-sized white chocolate muffins, just out of the oven, are in a prime selling position.”
“Two breakfasts are just an excuse to eat more.
“Nutritionists have been telling people for years the importance of kickstarting the metabolism by eating one or two hours after waking.
“The body needs refuelling and people who do not eat breakfast are more likely to have trouble with their weight,” she added.
“But nobody said repeat twice.”
The health expert said the key was to eat one sustaining breakfast.
This might include such foods as eggs, salmon, oats, grains, nuts and seeds and ricotta or avocado.
“If you are easily tempted by a treat to eat at your desk, try to change your mindset and stay out of the coffee shop,” Ms Di Prima said.
Natalie Ogbourne, from Brisbane suburb Norman Park, said she often has two breakfasts.
“I’ll have cereal at home and then coffee and something like a croissant or muffin at my desk an hour or two later,” Ms Ogbourne said.
“It is a habit that I need to break.”
THE BODY NEEDS REFUELLING AND PEOPLE WHO DO NOT EAT BREAKFAST ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE TROUBLE WITH THEIR WEIGHT. BUT NOBODY SAID REPEAT TWICE BRISBANE DIETITIAN KATE DI PRIMA