Breakfast and Colds/Flu

Fight colds with breakfast. Eating that first meal of the day may help keep colds and the flu at bay. It may also prevent weight gain.

Do you rush out of the house every morning without a bite to eat? You could be compromising your immune system. Research suggests that people who skip breakfast come down with colds and the flu more often than those who eat the so-called most important meal of the day.

Another immune system sapper: stress. Though you may not be able to remove all the sources of stress from your life, you can minimize its effects on your health by maintaining healthy habits. Boost your immune system and fight stress by getting enough sleep at night, exercising regularly and eating healthful, balanced meals.

Your best bet for breakfast: something that includes protein and whole grains, such as peanut butter on toast or a bowl of high-fiber cereal with low-fat milk and fruit.