There are always different studies being released which contradict existing advice on nutrition, but one piece of wisdom remains constant, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating a good breakfast has benefits that will last well beyond your morning routine.
So why?…
. Your literally breaking a fast. The period between your last meal and waking up in the morning is usually the longest stretch of time your body goes without fuel. Eating within two hours of waking up can impact low levels of glucose and the insulin that brings glucose to cells to be used as energy, are regulated for the remainder of the day. By skipping breakfast your body isn’t the only thing running on empty, your brain is too. Plus the longer you put it off the hungrier you will be when you finally do sit down to eat.
IT CAN REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE
. People who skip breakfast tend to overeat the rest of the time, and overeating is an obvious culprit in unwanted weight gain, which can lead to high cholesterol and blood pressure issues.
IT KEEPS YOU TUNED IN
. Your brain loves the energy it extracts from meals, making a sensible bowl of oatmeal just as important for focus and concentration as it is for physical exertion.
YOU CAN GET IN YOUR FIBRE
. Because wholegrains and fruit make regular appearances at the breakfast table, your more likely to meet your recommended fibre intake by eating breakfast. Fibre can also help reduce cholesterol.
IT PUTS YOU AT REDUCED RISK OF DIABETES
. People who skip breakfast tend to over compensate later on in the day, leading to larger, less nutritious meals that can wreak havoc on insulin levels.
YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT BY EATING MORE
. If you restrict your largest meal for breakfast, your well on your way to shedding pounds. In one study, two groups ate roughly the same number of calories per day but distributed them differently. The group who consumed more calories in the morning lost an average of 17.8 pounds over 3 months while those who ate less upon waking and more later in the day, a large dinner, lost just 7.3 pounds on average.
If you struggle with breakfast, maybe try something simple like a shake or a smoothie, or make some overnight oats so that they are ready for you to eat making it it quick and easy. For more advice on breakfast ideas call in and talk to one of our members of staff.
