[zapatos]

I've heard many times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, unfortunately no one ever says why. There is the occassional correlation between slim people and breakfast eating, but no one ever states there is a causation. I cannot think of a reason why any meal is important, much less why one meal is the most important. Some cultures do not have any meals at all, and people just eat as they get hungry.

On a related topic, I frequently hear people stressing the importance of families eating dinner together, as if doing so will result in a happy, well adjusted family. What is so special about dinner? If breakfast is the most important meal of the day anyway, maybe families should always have breakfast together. Or why not get together every night around the poker table? I know some families where avoiding dinner together would probably be the best idea.

I know that eating food and socializing with your family are important, but what is the magical association with breakfast and dinner? Is there any valid science behind these often spouted words of advice?

[Appolinaria]

Eating breakfast probably boosts your metabolism. I think the routine of having meals together is probably good for children. And a routine is also probably beneficial to one's body. Why it's dinner and not poker? Probably just tradition?

[CaptainPanic]

zapatos, on 13 February 2012 - 03:37 AM, said:

I've heard many times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, unfortunately no one ever says why. There is the occassional correlation between slim people and breakfast eating, but no one ever states there is a causation. I cannot think of a reason why any meal is important, much less why one meal is the most important. Some cultures do not have any meals at all, and people just eat as they get hungry.

Breakfast is the meal right before you start the active part of the day. Lunch is the meal right in the middle of the active part of the day.
Those two meals will keep your blood sugar up while you're working. I guess that's why.

For example, I really notice when I eat some fruit. I get the feeling that the fruit sugars get into my blood quicker than almost anything, and I feel more awake and energetic for the first few hours of the day.

I immediately admit that I have done no measurements, and this might all be a placebo effect, for all I know.

zapatos, on 13 February 2012 - 03:37 AM, said:

On a related topic, I frequently hear people stressing the importance of families eating dinner together, as if doing so will result in a happy, well adjusted family. What is so special about dinner? If breakfast is the most important meal of the day anyway, maybe families should always have breakfast together. Or why not get together every night around the poker table? I know some families where avoiding dinner together would probably be the best idea.

I know that eating food and socializing with your family are important, but what is the magical association with breakfast and dinner? Is there any valid science behind these often spouted words of advice?

The reason why people advice to get together around the dinner table, instead of the poker table, is that the large majority of people eat dinner every day, but not all people play poker, and only a tiny minority will play every night. But if your entire family plays poker on a daily basis, then that can be a good moment to socialize... Although you might want to seek some help with the gambling addiction.

Btw, I think that's not science, just common sense.

You have your daily interaction with the kids - without distraction from any computer games or tv shows. Kids can learn a LOT from their parents, if given the chance. Parents are the #1 source of learning for kids. They are the #1 role model. But you need to actually interact with kids to be of any use to your kids.
Also, you can keep an eye on the eating habits of kids. Kids tend to want to skip the vegetables, and only eat the best bits. But veggies are good for kids, even though the chicken and fries taste better. Sometimes, it takes a parent to make them eat it.

[Phi for All]

CaptainPanic, on 13 February 2012 - 08:33 AM, said:

Also, you can keep an eye on the eating habits of kids. Kids tend to want to skip the vegetables, and only eat the best bits. But veggies are good for kids, even though the chicken and fries taste better. Sometimes, it takes a parent to make them eat it.

Good post, and I agree with everything, especially this bit. My daughter doesn't hate vegetables like some kids I know, but she doesn't naturally gravitate to them. We insist, and she eats them without complaint, but if left on her own I'm sure she wouldn't eat nearly enough of them to be good for her. I also believe she'll one day start choosing them on her own simply because of her childhood exposure and our insistence every night as we sit down to dine together.

[zapatos]

Phi for All, on 13 February 2012 - 03:10 PM, said:

Good post, and I agree with everything, especially this bit. My daughter doesn't hate vegetables like some kids I know, but she doesn't naturally gravitate to them. We insist, and she eats them without complaint, but if left on her own I'm sure she wouldn't eat nearly enough of them to be good for her. I also believe she'll one day start choosing them on her own simply because of her childhood exposure and our insistence every night as we sit down to dine together.

When my kids were little we used to negotiate our way through dinner.

Kids: Can I be done now?
Us: Finish your food.
Kids: How about if I have two more bites of potatos and a piece of the meat.
Us: Eat the rest of your peas, some meat, and finish your milk.
Kids: Can I eat all of the potatos, meat and milk, and then skip the peas?
Us: Grrrrr.

[CharonY]

Quote

Eating breakfast probably boosts your metabolism.

Just out of curiosity and as a sidenote, does anyone know what that means, precisely? It sounds a bit like a truism: eat food and your metabolism goes up, because food is being metabolized. It does not stay that way, of course.

[JohnStu]

My breakfast consists of coke, some ham and chocolate plus an apple. OR the usual bread with nutella and soda drinks or milk.

I am really strategic with my eating. I chew my food tactically.