Breakfast keeps teens from snacking

What's the big deal about breakfast? Well, I'll tell you -- so you can then go tell your teen (you know, the one who rushes out the door for school every morning without giving as much as a glance to the plate of eggs you left for him or her). It's called breakfast for a reason; it breaks the fast that the body has been on since going to sleep and finally waking up. Try going seven or eight hours without eating while you're awake and see how you feel. Catch my drift?

A recent study from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health found that teens who start their day by eating breakfast appear to have healthier diets overall, in addition to being more physically active and reporting fewer weight problems.

Not just any breakfast will do, however. Separate studies have shown that eating a protein-rich breakfast (such as eggs) is a better way to satisfy appetite than a breakfast loaded with carbs. This will also help prevent weight gain, for your teen will be less apt to nosh on candy and snacks before lunchtime rolls around.