I’m sure we’ve all heard of the age old saying ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ - and for good reason. Breakfast is the meal which breaks the overnight fasting period; the period of time where you’re resting up and not eating. Breakfast replenishes your glucose supply, which in turn boosts your energy levels, whilst also providing the body with essential nutrients.
Despite the benefits of breakfast for general health and wellbeing, many people often skip it. So why is it the most important meal of the day?
Boosts Energy Levels
When you go without eating for an extended period of time, your glycogen stores are low. Once all of the energy from your glycogen stores are used up, your body starts to break down fatty acids to produce the energy it needs. However, without carbohydrates, fatty acids are only partially oxidized, which in turn can reduce your energy levels.
Eating breakfast boosts your energy levels and restores your glycogen levels, kickstarting your metabolism for the day. Although skipping breakfast may sound like a good idea to reduce your energy (calorie) intake, it’s been proven that breakfast eaters tend to be more active and alert in the morning.
Vitamins and Minerals
Breakfast foods are often packed with many essential vitamins and minerals - so much so that a good breakfast can provide you with a big chunk of your total daily nutrient intake. Additionally, it has also been proven that people who do eat breakfast, are more likely to hit their recommended intake of vitamins and minerals for the day.
Boost Brain Power
Often people that skip breakfast will struggle to focus on things in the morning - this is because your brain is yet to receive any energy. Studies have shown that eating breakfast can boost your attention span, ability to focus and improve your memory.
Improved Overall Diet
People who eat breakfast tend to have healthier diets and eating habits overall, as they are less likely to be hungry for snacks during the day, as opposed to people who skip breakfast.
People who often skip breakfast tend to nibble on snacks during the mid-morning or afternoon. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however if the snacks they’re reaching for are low in fiber, vitamins and minerals, but high in fat and salt, it can quickly become a problem. Without breakfast, people can often feel lethargic and turn to high-sugar/high-energy food and drinks to get them through the day.
So if you needed a little more convincing that you shouldn’t be skipping breakfast, this is it!
