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Cafeteria helps start day right with healthy breakfast by Denise Boutwell Diet Intern Did you start your day off with a large muffin and a mocha latte? If so, you may have consumed half of your calorie requirements and exceeded your fat allowance for the entire day.   Many people are too busy to sit down and have breakfast, so they think the answer is grabbing something quick like a muffin, doughnut, or pastry. Unfortunately, these foods are loaded with calories and fat and do not provide you with the nutrients your body needs. Instead, they add on extra unwanted weight. To make your life easier and healthier, the MUSC cafeteria is now featuring nutritious “grab & go” items. These include items such as fresh fruit, yogurt and mini muffins.   On the other hand, you may think that skipping breakfast is a way to cut calories and lose weight. Wrong! Skipping breakfast is not the answer. Studies have shown that people who skip breakfast eat just as many or more calories throughout the day than people that eat breakfast. People that skip breakfast are more likely to snack on high calorie foods. Eating breakfast minimizes overeating throughout the day.   You may have already heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The benefits of eating breakfast are tremendous. Studies suggest that eating breakfast reduces the risk for obesity and high cholesterol, decrease insulin resistance, and improve memory and attention span. Eating breakfast also enhances school performance.   Not only is eating breakfast important, but selecting the right food is equally as important. Your breakfast should include some protein and fiber. Good protein sources include eggs, meat, poultry, soy, and cheese. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, beans, and nuts. Protein and fiber keep you feeling full longer, which means you will be less likely to snack later. Stay away from sugary cereals, doughnuts, and pastries because your body digests these foods more quickly, which makes you hungry sooner and more likely to snack.   To help you make healthier breakfast choices, the nutrition information for all the cafeteria breakfast food items is clearly displayed. The Wellness & You logo will help you to identify the healthy options quickly. For those who do not want to fall prey to impulsive decisions and want to plan ahead, visit http://www.nutrition.musc.edu and view the nutrition content for all the breakfast items served. Start your day off right by eating a nutritious breakfast.     Friday, June 2, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.