Eating Like a Nutrition Pro Begins with Breakfast

CHICAGO, Dec. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey of more than 500 Registered Dietitians (RDs) commissioned by the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence and conducted by Today's Dietitian magazine reveals that one way to eat like a nutrition pro in the New Year is to start with a nutritious, great-tasting oatmeal breakfast.  With New Year's resolutions on the minds of many, take a little inspiration from what nutrition experts said they eat to help live a healthy lifestyle.

RDs Say Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day
If you have a New Year's resolution to live healthier – consider adding a nutritious breakfast to your list! An overwhelming majority of RDs (86 percent) surveyed agree that eating breakfast can be an important step in maintaining a healthy weight. In fact, nearly two-thirds (64.5 percent) of RD respondents said breakfast is the most important meal they eat every day. Nearly three-quarters (74.4 percent) said their breakfast helps control their hunger, provides energy, helps keep them sharp and engaged throughout the morning and provides fuel for activities. 

"Making healthy changes can be a challenge and is only made more difficult when you miss your morning meal," says Katherine Brooking, MS, RD, co-founder of Appetite for Health. "Hunger and cravings that result from skipping breakfast can derail your best efforts to reduce calories and eat right."

Protein + Whole Grains = The RD Breakfast Combo  
When it comes to what the nutrition pros eat to start their day, oatmeal was the top pick. Some 41 percent of those surveyed reported that oatmeal was their first choice for breakfast, followed by eggs at 35 percent. More than half of all respondents look for breakfast choices that have protein, and nearly 22 percent say breakfast must have whole grains. A breakfast of Quaker oatmeal provides 40 grams of whole grains, and when made with a cup of milk provides 14 grams of protein.

Oatmeal and eggs were rated above other favorites like whole grain waffles, bagels, English muffins and toast. "Oatmeal is a whole grain and a good source of fiber, and eggs provide high-quality protein," says Brooking.

Eat This Instead of That
When it comes to wholesome swaps for popular breakfast choices, oatmeal received the most votes. "Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet – Quaker oatmeal has you covered," says Brooking, who shared her favorite swaps.

• Instead of French toast, try maple apple oatmeal made with Quaker Quick 1-Minute Oats.  "It's simple and easy – just lightly drizzle maple syrup on top to give the oatmeal the sweet flavor of French toast. A dash of cinnamon and sliced apples make this a great warm and hearty dish for a cold winter morning."
• Swap that egg and cheese breakfast sandwich for a whole grain, protein-rich dish by topping Quaker Quick 3-Minute Steel Cut oatmeal with a poached egg, turkey bacon and shredded parmesan or Gruyere.  "You'll still get the rich savory flavor, plus whole grains, fiber and protein."

Breakfast Bottom Line
"As dietitians, we help consumers make nutritious choices, but we also practice what we preach," adds Brooking.  "As the survey showed, breakfast is an important part of both our recommendations and our own diet. For me, and many of my colleagues, that means starting with a bowl of oatmeal."

About the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence
The Quaker Oats Center of Excellence is focused on elevating the relevance and benefits of oats through science, agriculture and innovation. For more information, visit the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence at www.QuakerOats.com.

About the Quaker Oats Company
The Quaker Oats Company, headquartered in Chicago, is a unit of PepsiCo, Inc., one of the world's largest consumer packaged goods companies. For more than 130 years, Quaker's brands have served as symbols of quality, great taste and nutrition. Holding leadership positions in their respective categories, Quaker^® Oats, Quaker^® Rice Cakes and Quaker Chewy^® Granola Bars are consumer favorites. For more information, please visit www.QuakerOats.com, www.Facebook.com/Quaker or follow us on Twitter @Quaker.

About Today's Dietitian Magazine
Now in its 16th year covering the field of nutrition and dietetics, Today's Dietitian is established as the leading independent trade publication for registered dietitians, Certified Diabetes Educators, and Dietary Managers. Each month, Today's Dietitian provides this influential community of professionals with best practices and recommendations for their clients through content that covers essential topics such as diabetes management, heart health, food allergies, and weight control, as well as the latest in industry research, nutritional supplements, and special dietary options that include gluten-free living, plant-based diets, organic foods, and much more.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $66 billion in net revenue in 2013, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our goal to deliver top-tier financial performance while creating sustainable growth in shareholder value. In practice, Performance with Purpose means providing a wide range of foods and beverages, from treats to healthy eats; finding innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment and reduce our operating costs; providing a safe and inclusive workplace for our employees globally; and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

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SOURCE Quaker Oats Center of Excellence