"Diet Warrior" Says Breakfast is Not the Most Important Meal of the Day

Author Ori Hofmekler says breakfast is the worst meal of the day. As a species, he says, we are by nature nocturnal eaters; our bodies are inherently programmed for night eating. Because we consume most of our food during the day, we pay consequences like weight gain and overwhelming stress levels.

One doesn't have to look very far in America to see obesity or individuals with obesity-related health problems. And just as ubiquitous are diet gurus, weight loss plans, diet clubs, self-help books and experts of every kind quick to offer the ultimate solution to the country's obesity epidemic. Until recently few, if any, of these solutions ever encouraged any health-conscious person to eliminate breakfast, traditionally touted as the most important meal of the day. And eating the biggest meal at night was definitely frowned upon.

Hofmekler, author of the book "The Warrior Diet," says the worst thing a person can do for their health, body weight and energy is to eat a big breakfast. Switching traditional eating recommendations around, Hofmekler says it's best to undereat during the day and overeat at night.

Hofmekler arrived at his conclusions after studying what he terms survival science and anthropological research. As a result, he says he has a surprisingly effective solution to the obesity epidemic, diabetes and related illnesses and disorders.

A Nov. 30 press release says that Hofmekler has concluded, after looking to what he calls the hunter/gatherer culture, that many major body functions are programmed for night eating. Reportedly, Hofmekler has also received the endorsement of health experts and other researchers.

In attacking many cherished diet, health and fitness beliefs, Hofmekler espouses a very simple eating and exercise plan: eat one main meal at night, avoid chemicals, and exercise properly.

In an April 2005 press release, Hofmekler said: "When you wake-up, your body is already in an intense detox mode, clearing itself of endotoxins and digestive waste from the past evening meal. During the morning hours, when digestion is fully completed (while you are on an empty stomach), a primal survival mechanism, known as fight or flight reaction to stress, is triggered, maximizing your body's capacity to generate energy, be alert, resist fatigue and resist stress." He called this a time when the body is in a "highly geared survival mode...in its most energy-producing phase and that's when most energy comes from fat burning..."

Hofmekler says that when a person follows the traditional routine of eating a big breakfast to fuel the body, they actually "shut down the above energy producing system...your morning meal will trigger an antagonistic part of the automatic nervous system...which makes you sleepy, slow and less resilient to fatigue and stress."

If a person eats a big breakfast, Hofmekler said, instead of expending energy and burning fat, the body will be more inclined to store energy and gain fat. He claims "the overall metabolic stress would increase with toxins accumulating in the liver, giving the body another substantial reason to gain fat."

Hofmekler acknowledges that some people may find it difficult to forego that morning meal. If that be the case, he recommends the food be limited to fruits, vegetable soup or small amounts of light protein such as boiled or poached eggs, plain yogurt or white cheese.

For those who exercise first thing in the morning, Hofmekler suggests turning "breakfast into a post-exercise recovery meal. Such meals should consist of small amounts of fresh protein plus carbs such as yogurt and banana, eggs plus a bowl of oatmeal, or cottage cheese with berries."

In conclusion, says Hofmekler, breakfast is not the most important meal of the day. Rather, post-exercise recovery meals are the most important, helping the body to recuperate from either nutritional stress (undereating) or physical stress (exercise). "It's when you eat that makes what you eat matter," he said.

Sources:

Press release, "'Breakfast is the Worst Meal of the Day,' Says Ori Hofmekler, Author of the Revised Warrior Diet Book;" http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/11/prweb571970.htm

Press release, "Why You Should Avoid Eating Breakfast: Warrior Diet Author Ori Hofmekler Exposes Top Diet Fallacy;" http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2005/4/emw232889.htm