Nighttime is often problematic for dieters a big dinner and a hefty snack (or snacks) just a short time later is a quick way to add pounds. However, Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter executive editor Larry Lindner notes that those people who have eaten more earlier in the day by eating a full breakfast may not feel the need to eat as much as the day progresses.

According to Lindner, who is also an instructor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, "Starting off the day with a nutritious breakfast possibly prevents overeating later in the day." He reminds, however, that "yogurt, whole-grain toast or cereal and fruit are preferable to bacon and hash browns."

The article says that there are a number of biological factors that come into play that may shed some light on the breakfast phenomenon. One possibility is that the body is set to certain rhythms that cause people to eat more frequently later in the day. But eating more calories earlier can have a big impact on balancing energy needs later. According to Lindner, "eat a hearty morning repast and you may be less inclined to reach into the cupboard once evening comes."

Three Servings of Whole Grains a Day Might Keep Diabetes Away

The number of people with Type 2 diabetes has been on the rise in the United States and an estimated 24% of adults in the US have the metabolic syndrome that often precedes Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. New research from Tufts University shows that people who eat three or more servings per day of whole-grain foods, particularly fiber-rich cereals, may be less apt to develop the metabolic syndrome.

"Higher consumption of whole-grain foods is associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance, thereby decreasing the risk of diabetes" said Nicola M. McKeown, PhD, scientist at t
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Contact: Randi Konikoff Beranbaum MS, RD
randi.beranbaum@tufts.edu
617-636-3736
Tufts University
1-Mar-2004