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It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy


 
 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

How many calories should be in a good breakfast?

How many calories should I be eating for breakfast? Most days I just run out of the house with a piece of fruit in my hand eating on the way to work. I only live about a mile from work so I walk every day.

Dr. Gourmet Says...

scrambled eggs on wheat toast

I generally have patients target their breakfast between 250 and 500 calories depending on their weight, height, and goals. There's a lot that goes into making that decision, but at minimum we know that having a serving of a carbohydrate along with some protein will help you stay more satisfied through the morning.

A serving for breakfast might be an egg cooked however you like, with a slice of whole wheat toast. Round this out with a piece of fruit (maybe even later in the morning as a snack) for a great start to your day.

Another example might be cereal with milk or yogurt and fruit, or even peanut butter or melted cheese on a piece of whole wheat bread (toasted or not). Here's my article, "What is a healthy breakfast?" for more information on breakfast and its effects on weight and health.

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet