The experiments in this study will assess if while following a reduced energy diet, eating a breakfast with higher protein quality will enhance weight loss compared to another breakfast with lower protein quality, but matched for energy density and macronutrient composition.

There will be 2 experiments in this pilot study. Both will be randomized crossover study designs with subjects beginning on either an egg breakfast of higher protein quality or cereal breakfast of lower protein quality, and reversing to receive the breakfast not previously ingested. The subjects will consume breakfasts under supervision at our clinic on all days of the study, except for weekends. Subjects will be advised to continue eating their breakfast at home on weekends. All subjects will receive weight loss counseling and follow a weight loss diet for 2 weeks. Experiment 1 will test the hypothesis that when on a reduced calorie diet, intake of an egg breakfast compared to cereal breakfast increases satiety, reduces lunch time energy consumption and reduces dinner time energy consumption in clinical and free living condition. Insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY 3-36, ghrelin, plasma glucose, baseline and post intervention anthropomorphic measurements, and hunger questionnaires completed during the consumption of both breakfasts and subsequent meals will be compared. Experiment 2 will compare the effects of the two breakfasts on intake of foods considered tempting or highly palatable, and assessment of energy intake pre/post test lunch followed by offering brownies. It is hypothesized that consumption of an egg breakfast compared to cereal breakfast, will help in reducing intake of foods considered tempting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Calculated BMI of 25.0-39.9 kg/m2
• Sedentary (< 3 hours/week of moderate intensity physical activity)
• Otherwise healthy

Exclusion Criteria:

• ≥5% body weight loss or gain in the three months preceding the study
• Post-menopausal (has not had period for 12 months)
• Plans to begin an exercise program or change current exercise routines between initiation of study and final study
• Anyone following a medical diet prescription
• Anyone with a chronic disease including type II diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, cardiovascular disease, cancer of any type
• Health conditions and chronic illness that contraindicate behavioral weight loss treatment using a low calorie diet
• Anyone who is currently pregnant, or lactating
• Medications that may influence or inhibit appetite, sensory functioning, or hormone signaling
• Plans to begin taking any supplements that may influence weight loss
• Report of medical condition or surgical intervention that affects swallowing or chewing ability
• Anyone with a pacemaker or other internal medical device
• Any practicing vegans or vegetarians
• Any practicing gluten-free diet
• Allergy, aversion, or dislike to any of the foods offered for meals