Study Shows Pork in the Morning Can Lead to Less Snacking Later

According to a study released by the University of Missouri – teens who eat a high-protein lean pork breakfast may consume fewer sugary snacks later in the day. The 12-week study suggests that eating a protein-rich breakfast that includes ham or pork sausage reduces daily hunger, increases daily fullness, improves morning blood sugar control and leads to less late-day snacking for teenagers. National Pork Board President Conley Nelson says the Pork Checkoff-funded study further validates the important role of high-protein lean pork in a balanced diet. He says parents can feel good about including pork as part of the morning meal because it provides healthy fuel to support their teenagers’ busy day while reducing the urge to reach for empty-calorie afternoon snacks. The teens in the study who ate a high-protein breakfast experienced a decreased intake of about 400 calories later in the day. Those who skipped breakfast and those who ate the same number of calories for breakfast – but consumed high-carbohydrate, ready-to-eat cereals – did not reduce daily intake.

Study lead Dr. Heather Leidy notes nutritionists always tout the importance of breakfast. Now – Leidy says we understand just how powerful choosing to eat lean protein like pork sausage or ham at breakfast can be – especially for those who typically skip breakfast. Based on this research – Leidy says taking the time each morning to eat a healthy breakfast – one consisting of about 40-percent of calories from carbohydrates and 40-percent of calories from protein – leads to reduced snacking later in the day – thanks to the satiating effects of protein early in the day.

These new findings on teens who skip breakfast is consistent with past research with adult men – which demonstrated the benefits of including lean pork in three daily meals as a way to reduce late-night desires to eat, increase feelings of fullness and decrease distracting thoughts about food. The new study also is consistent with a similar study conducted by the same University of Missouri researchers that suggests a breakfast high in protein significantly improves appetite control and reduces unhealthy evening snacking for overweight or obese adolescent females. Leidy says increasing evidence suggests that incorporating lean pork in to the diet can help with appetite control and body weight management – while also providing key nutrients that growing teens and adults alike need in their daily diet.

Source: NAFB News service