The timing of dietary protein intake affects feelings of fullness throughout the day, according to a study by Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., which concludes that, when people eat high-quality protein foods from sources such as eggs and lean Canadian bacon for breakfast, they have a greater

"There is a growing body of research which supports eating high-quality protein foods when dieting to maintain a sense of fullness," affirms Wayne W. Campbell, study author and professor of foods and nutrition. "This study is particularly unique in that it looks at the timing of protein intake and reveals that when you consume more protein may be a critical piece of the equation."

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The study included overweight or obese men who ate a reduced-calorie diet consisting of two variations of protein intakes, both within Federal nutrition recommendations: normal protein intake (11-14% of calories) or increased protein (18-25% of calories). The researchers tested the effect of consuming the additional protein at specific meals--breakfast, lunch, or dinner--or spaced evenly throughout the day.

The study adds to a growing body of research on the benefits of eating high-quality protein for weight management. For instance, a study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that eating two eggs for breakfast, as part of a reduced-calorie diet, helps overweight adults lose more weight and feel more energetic than those who eat a bagel breakfast of equal calories.