Supplements Are Great in the Morning for Breakfast Skippers

Skipping the morning meal may give you extra time to get to class on time or beat traffic while heading to work, but you may be skipping out on some important vitamins and nutrients too. Fortunately, most of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that you need can be found in supplements; some of which need to be taken with some type of food or beverage, but a bagel or a glass of orange juice can take care of that without seriously slowing your schedule down.

Hazards of Skipping Breakfast

Skipping breakfast itself isn't bad, as long as you don't skip out on essential nutrients too. Having supplements instead of meal can have a significant impact on your overall productivity during the day. If you skip breakfast and do nothing to supplement the nutrients you are losing, you are more likely to make unhealthy eating choices during the rest of your day, according to research cited by the Society for Neuroscience. Other potential issues associated with skipping breakfast include:

• Raised cardiometabolic risk factors
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Decreased energy levels 
• Reduced productivity

 
Choosing the Right Supplements 

Now that you know that you need supplements to get the nutrients you need for the day, the next step is choosing the right supplements. Everybody needs certain vitamins and nutrients to sustain energy levels throughout the day. Most of the vitamins you need to start your day can either be taken with breakfast or found in a supplement, which may include a protein shake, protein bar or a multivitamin. The basic vitamins and supplements that most people need on a daily basis include:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• B-complex
• Calcium
• Iron

Multivitamins

If you opt for a multivitamin to get your nutrients for the day, you shouldn't mix it with other standalone vitamins. Calcium, for example, may interfere with your body's absorption of the iron in your multivitamin. Most multivitamins contain at least the recommended daily allowance of vitamins such as B6, B12, folic acid, copper, molybdenum, iodine, niacin, thiamin, and zinc. Most people don't need any more than this, unless special considerations apply such as age - people over the age of 65 typically need more vitamin D - and other dietary irregularities.

Supplements

As a general rule, you want a supplement that is rich in protein and filling; there's no point in taking a supplement that's going to leave you hungry until your next meal. Supplements come in various forms, from pills and bars to powders and shakes. Not all supplements have the same nutritional values. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, supplements should meet the following guidelines:

• Be between 150 and 250 calories 
• Offer no less than 10 grams of sugar
• Offer at least 5 grams of fiber
• Be high in protein to curb your appetite throughout the day

Supplements and Weight Loss 

If you are skipping breakfast to lose weight, supplements are a healthier way to achieve that goal. Supplements are meant to be meal replacements, so you usually don't have to worry about getting excess calories. The Mayo Clinic notes that this makes supplements a good choice for weight loss; although it does reduce the natural nutrients you would otherwise get from whole foods. Supplements aren't meant for replacing every meal. If you go with a supplement for breakfast, for instance, you'd want to have a light lunch and balanced dinner to get all your nutritional requirements for the day.

Even if you are already a full-fledged breakfast skipper, switching to a supplement is a big change. Even if you're in perfectly fine health, it's still a good idea to check with your doctor or a registered dietician before making supplements a regular habit, especially if you plan to supplement the same meal everyday with supplements. Since there are so many choices when it comes to dietary supplements, there is likely some form of supplement you can take to get the nutrients you need. Mix things up a little and try different supplements. This keeps things fresh and keeps you motivated to actually take your supplements. Skipping breakfast is fine, as long you don't skip out on the nutrients you need in the process.

Author Bio
Ron Thompson writes for DelProbiotics, a unique probiotic supplement made from the lactobacillus rhamnosus which is a natural immune system boosterand offers how to treat sinusitis.