BREAKFAST IS THE LOWEST FAT MEAL FOR YOUNG-ADULT WOMEN

Breakfast consumption and the contribution of breakfast foods to the d aily fat and fiber intakes of young adults were evaluated in a sample of 2628 young adults (mean +/- SD age = 19.6 +/- 3.0 years). The subje cts (males = 817, females = 1811) completed 24-hour dietary records fo r a college introductory nutrition class. The 1-day dietary intake dat a were analyzed for the following: (1) differences in daily fat and ti ber intake between breakfast eaters (80%) and skippers (20%) by gender ; (2) fat and fiber content of breakfast compared to other meals, and (3) foods most frequently consumed for breakfast by gender. More women who ate breakfast had daily fat intakes less than or equal to 30% ene rgy from fat compared to the women who skipped breakfast (40% vs. 28%, p < .001). For both genders, the breakfast meal contained the lowest mean percent energy from fat compared to other eating occasions (p < . 05). The ratio of fat to fiber was lowest for the breakfast meal, alth ough fiber intakes were low overall. For men, the major sources of fat for breakfast were milk, eggs, sausage/ham, cream cheese, and butter/ margarine; cereal, bread, and bagels were the major sources of fiber f or both genders. Eating breakfast, especially breads and cereals and s kim and 1% fat milk, can reduce fat intake and help increase fiber int akes of young adults.