Why is it important to eat breakfast?

We are all told breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Fact or fiction?

Why do so many people skip breakfast?

The most common reasons are:

  • Not hungry

  • Didn’t feel like eating

  • Too busy, running late not enough time to stop for breakfast

 

Why make time for breakfast

Breakfast kickstarts the body’s metabolism

Breakfast jump-starts the metabolism in the morning. Getting the metabolism working early helps burn calories throughout the day. Skipping breakfast tells your body to conserve, rather than burn, extra calories. Without breakfast the body is effectively running on empty, like trying to start a car with no petrol in the tank!

Breakfast balances blood sugar levels

Eating in the morning breaks the overnight fast, replenishes glucose (blood sugar) and other essential nutrients to keep energy levels up during the day

Breakfast stimulates the brain

Eating breakfast helps concentration. Stable blood sugar levels can help the ability to focus, reason, and process information and improve productivity. The brain needs energy to work at its best

Breakfast promotes healthier eating and long term health

According to studies, people who skip breakfast tend to gain weight. For breakfast ‘skippers’ controlling weight and keeping it stable is trickier, as it is more difficult to fight day time cravings on an empty stomach and avoid snacking and overeating later. Missing breakfast doesn’t help lose weight however weight gain contributes to high cholesterol , high blood pressure and diabetes, which can contribute to poorer health long term.

 

What do dietitians advise about breakfast?

breakfast should be eaten within two hours of waking

If people struggle to eat first thing, as many people do, then suggest people take their breakfast with them and eat it on-the-go or when they get to work. As long as it is eaten within the first couple of hours of their day, they will still be getting the benefits of breakfast.

Combining a protein with a carbohydrate-based food such as bread, oats or cereal provides invaluable nutrients for the day ahead. Wholegrain foods can help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Protein sources include milk, eggs, yogurt, nuts and lean meat or fish such as kippers or salmon.

A healthy breakfast should provide calories in the range of 20-35% of guideline daily allowance (GDA).

FACT Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.