Fitness Nutrition Rule Number 1

Do you recall the old saying, "breakfast like a king, lunch like a lord and dine like a pauper"?

You've probably heard it before but never really given it much thought.

It may be old advice but it's very good advice, particularly the bit about breakfast. When it comes to fitness nutrition, eating a good breakfast really is the key to an effective and healthy nutrition plan.

A lot of people skip breakfast entirely. Many do so because they are convinced that this helps to control their weight. It doesn't. Others claim to be too busy to make time for breakfast. This is just lack of planning.

Think about it; by the time you waken up in the morning your body has not had any food for probably 7 or 8 hours. Your blood sugar is at its lowest level and without refuelling, your body's engine is going to be very sluggish and you cannot function effectively.

So a good breakfast is essential to a healthy lifestyle. In fact, it should account for at least one-fifth of your daily food intake.

A quick slice of toast and a glass of orange juice will not do.

Breakfast should be a sizeable meal and it is important to plan it well to make sure that you get the balance you need to maximise your fitness.

Oatmeal (or porridge) is an ideal part of the meal. It is a complex carbohydrate which means that it releases energy slowly and keeps your blood sugar level steady. And it's versatile too.

Adding fresh or frozen fruit makes it more appealing and boosts your vitamin intake as well. Or try adding dried fruits or cinnamon, vanilla or honey to give even more variety.

Protein plays an important role, but it is important to choose wisely to avoid adding too much fat. Eggs cooked with little or no fat, lean grilled bacon, low fat yogurt and skimmed milk all provide high levels of protein and can be used in a wide variety of ways to make healthy breakfast dishes.

One way to keep the protein levels up and the fat down is to use egg whites instead of whole eggs - or you can mix one whole egg with two or three whites to make a lower fat omelette or scrambled eggs.

Take time to plan your breakfast in advance to make sure that you start your daily nutrition plan well.

You might prefer to get help from a nutritionist or use a scientifically developed program like plan:one, which uses dynamic nutrition technology, to help you improve your nutrition plan.

You will soon notice real benefits in your fitness.