Why is breakfast the most important meal of the day you ask? For one thing it kick-starts your metabolism which helps burn calories throughout the day. You may not feel hungry first thing in the morning but if your last meal was last evening, especially earlier in the evening, then your body is hungry and needs to be fed. Getting into a routine of eating breakfast will ensure that you’re providing your body with the fuel that it needs.
Eating breakfast gives you energy to get things done and helps you focus at work or school. Studies have shown that eating breakfast is linked to good health, better memory and lower levels of LDL or “bad cholesterol”. It lowers chances of getting heart disease, diabetes and helps control weight.
When we skip breakfast, it can throw off your body’s rhythm and metabolism. The blood sugar you need to help the body and brain function is usually low first thing in the morning and breakfast helps replenish that. Skipping breakfast can cause overeating during the day.
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Eating breakfast is also when you’ll get vitamins and nutrients from foods like dairy, grains and fruits that you might not get during the day. Missing out on breakfast also increases the risk of snacking on high-fat, high-sugar foods.
If you’re trying to lose weight, then breakfast is key. It’s important not to skip a meal thinking that will help. Again, it comes down to revving up the metabolism first thing in the morning and that comes from eating breakfast.
Breakfast doesn’t have to be a big meal. It should include carbohydrates, protein, fiber and healthy fats.
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Here are some healthy breakfast suggestions:
One serving of whole-grain cereal, (at least 5 grams of fiber and less than 5 grams of sugar), ½ cup of milk (skim, almond, soymilk), a small banana or ½ cup of berries.
One ½ cup cooked oatmeal with cinnamon, 2 tablespoons nuts, ½ cup berries
A slice of 100% whole grain bread, 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter or almond butter, a small banana
If you’re not able to tolerate a full breakfast first thing in the morning, then it can be on the lighter side:
An apple or banana, 1 tablespoon or peanut butter or almond butter
A hard-boiled egg with ½ cup of carrots or celery, 2 tablespoons of low-fat dip
Jaena Mebane, a graduate of Fordham University-B.A., Fitness Professional, Bodybuilder and creator of GLUTEUS FABULOUS. My motto is “Inspiring Others to Live a Healthy Lifestyle, Mind, Body, and Soul.” You can find me on Instagram @gluteus_fabulous
