Nutrition
Fact  or Fiction ?
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Is it a scientific fact, trend, or consensus opinion? 

11/29/2016

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Submitted by a reader
  A recent article in UK’s Guardian newspaper, reviewing the book, Breakfast: A History, says that “Our reverence for breakfast is actually relatively recent."
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  It says that "before the late 19th century in the US, breakfast didn’t have any particular importance. 
  But all that changed by a small group of religious fanatics and lobbyists for cereal and bacon companies.”
​  From that point, mothers pestered their children – telling them breakfast was the most important meal of the day that they simply should not skip.
  You may know children who simply refuse to eat breakfast. They’re not hungry in the morning; or you yourself may find.. a coffee right after you get up is enough.
​  ..and once upon a time – especially in the early part of the 20th century, it was rigid.. three solid meals served habitually at the same regular hours were a ‘must’ – to fuel and enable (sacred) work to a maximum. 
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  The three-times-a-day 'theory' was based on the religious maxim - the Protestant Work Ethic - and elders were RIGID in enforcing it and judging those who violated their unsubstantiated Protestant ethics - that were facts as far as they were concerned. Hard work, discipline, and frugality were an essential part of Calvinist Protestant faith - still alive today to many Americans.. and dare you defy those people - who drive and control our politics - including what's taught in our educational institutions. 
  A recent trend says eat small quantities often throughout the day; but this trend ALSO is dictated by ‘work ethic’ as (several) articles explain – since people rushing about with children and/or driven by work haven’t time to sit for three solid meals.
​  Plus, now, nutritionists have jumped on the bandwagon and are proselytizing this trend. You may have found, it doesn’t seem to work for you, and you may or may not have the courage to buck trends or your nutritionist – and speak up and say: It doesn’t work for me.
  I find – a coffee in the morning may be enough for a couple hours – as I’m not really hungry – until after minimal activity – although that isn’t consistent – and I do want to listen to my body when it says it’s not hungry, or this pattern of constant eating seems to arouse appetite, and I find myself overeating – and also gaining weight.
  So.. what the article said to me – is.. how do I fight trends or traditions that haven’t been scientifically tested and proven - and discover what is optimal for me? ..or is there a universal pattern that is correct and healthiest for EVERYONE? 
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    Colleen O'brien

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