Is Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day?
It's common here-say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The reality is that having time to eat breakfast in today's busy world can be a luxury. Some diets also promote extended fasting until lunch so it has become more common nowadays to skip breakfast. So just how important is it?
Experts tell us that eating a balanced breakfast is important for numerous reasons. Choosing foods that have a balanced amount of fiber, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein will provide you with the most benefits throughout the day. And don't forget your coffee!
Breakfast Boosts Energy Levels
Glucose from carbohydrates is your body's main energy source. Your body breaks this down and uses it as energy throughout the day. When you're asleep, however, your body uses what is stored in the liver to keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the night. By morning, your glucose levels are much lower and need to be replenished. Eating a good breakfast with carbs helps boost your energy levels by providing much needed glucose to jump start energy production.
Balanced Breakfasts Help Focus and Memory
Glucose also plays an important role in your brain function. Glucose is your brain's primary source of energy, so skipping breakfast can cause you to feel sluggish and unfocused. Studies have shown that children and adolescents who eat breakfast tend to perform better academically. It's also harder to focus efficiently when your body is constantly sending hunger cues to your brain.
Breakfast Can Help Control Overeating
Enjoying a breakfast that keeps you full doesn't mean you have to eat large quantities of food. A breakfast that is balanced with fiber, protein, carbs, and healthy fats helps to regulate your hunger throughout the day. It satiates you in the morning and keeps you feeling full for longer. This helps to reduce snacking on high fat/high sugar foods before your next meal.
Healthy Breakfasts can Reduce the Risk of Getting Sick
Eating a balanced breakfast provides you with the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly. According to findings from Oregon State University, most Americans are deficient in one or more vitamins and minerals. Many diseases and illness is caused by or exacerbated by deficiencies. Eating breakfast gives your body more opportunities to get the vitamins and minerals it needs.
Studies also show there may be a link between people who eat breakfast regularly and a lower risk of diabetes and obesity.
Tips for Incorporating Breakfast into Your Busy Day
We know breakfast is important, but mornings are the busiest time of day for most. Turning breakfast into something fun, like visiting your favorite coffee shop, is a great way to motivate yourself to make time to eat. Look for something with fresh ingredients and a balance of fiber, carbs, healthy fats, and proteins (our favorite is a freshly made breakfast burrito.)
Prepping your breakfast ahead of time makes it easy to just grab and go! Overnight oats, eggs bowls, fresh fruit, etc. all make great additions to your morning routine.