Why breakfast really is the most important meal of the day


You have probably heard it said over and over that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that skipping it is a very bad idea. Various studies have been carried out to ascertain this, and it does seem that indeed, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

What does this mean exactly? Why is it more important than lunch and dinner? The difference is that breakfast sets the tone for the day, and skipping it can lead to poor diet choices later on in the day and ruin your diet.

Why breakfast really is the most important meal of the day

Let’s look at some of the reasons why breakfast is considered the most important meal.

It kick-starts your body and mind

After a night of sleep during which your body is fasting, breakfast is the first opportunity to feed and fuel it. This provides energy for the body and brain to carry out their functions. A nutritious breakfast will not only provide energy to take you through the day, but also provides important nutrients your body needs. It is recommended that your breakfast should contain between 15-25% of your daily energy intake. With this, you’ll feel less hungry during the day. There will be less chance of craving unhealthy fatty snacks and sugar.

It curbs cravings

A high protein breakfast will keep you feeling full for long and curb overeating later on in the day. If you skip breakfast, you’ll end up binge-eating for lunch and in between, leading to unhealthy weight gain.

Fluids prevent dehydration

Fluids at breakfast will help curb dehydration and keep your body hydrated throughout the day. This impacts skin, hair, and general health in a positive manner. If you’re hydrated, you’ll feel more energetic and ready to tackle the day.

It keeps blood-sugar levels constant

Eating in the morning will keep your blood-sugar levels at the required levels. This keeps several health conditions at bay, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

With a busy lifestyle, skipping breakfast or grabbing an energy bar while rushing out the door can starve you of these benefits. Having breakfast will ensure that you can concentrate at work and become as productive as possible. So while you might be saving time in the morning, your quality of work might suffer because you denied your body and brain a good awakening.

Preparing breakfast doesn’t have to take too much of your time. Making a breakfast menu for each week can make it easier as well. Try to do your grocery shopping during the weekend so you’ll have breakfast supplies throughout the week. For some breakfast dishes, you can make them in the evening so they’ll be ready to grab in the morning.

Why breakfast really is the most important meal of the day

A well-balanced breakfast should include the following:

– 1 serving of fruits or vegetables

– 1 three ounce serving of protein-rich foods

– 1-2 servings of whole grains

– 1 serving of low-fat dairy food

The entire meal should provide you with 300-400 calories.

The next time you’re tempted to skip this important meal, remember it’s the one thing that will set the pace for your day, and that skipping it could cause you to feel sluggish and unfocused. For maximum productivity, kick off your day with a nutritious breakfast.

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