Timing of protein intake affects feelings of fullness throughout the day, according to a new study published online today in the British Journal of Nutrition.
In this study, researchers asked overweight or obese men to eat one of two low-calorie weight loss diets.
The first diet had a usual amount of protein that's recommended to adults (11 to 14 percent of total calories) while the second diet increased protein intake to 18 to 25 percent of total calories.
The researchers tested the effect of consuming the additional protein at specific meals - breakfast, lunch or dinner - or spaced evenly throughout the day.
When people ate high-quality protein foods - such as eggs and lean Canadian bacon - for breakfast they had a greater sense of sustained fullness throughout the day compared to when more protein was eaten at lunch or dinner.
The authors say that most people consume a relatively small amount of protein at breakfast - only about 15 percent of their total daily protein intake.
Previous recent research has found that eating a big breakfast can help with long-term weight loss.
Which breakfast foods are a good source of high quality protein? Think yogurt, milk, soy beverages, eggs and egg whites, smoked salmon, chicken breast, turkey and lean ham.
For more high-protein breakfast ideas, check out our Breakfast Omelet recipe and other nutritious breakfast recipes.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.