Why is breakfast so important?

We have all heard from our parents, friends, fitness trainers and so on that breakfast is ‘the most important meal of the day’ – so why is breakfast so important? Its literal meaning is ‘breaking the fast’ from your last meal from the previous day. But what makes it important and how does it affect our overall health, nutrition and metabolism?

Impacts of breakfast on metabolism

Eating breakfast helps jumpstart your body for the day. After coming from a fast of around 10-12 hours, your body needs to replenish energy and macros to help your brain prepare for your tasks for the rest of the day. Skipping breakfast may tell your body to slow down and conserve energy for the rest of the day.

Having a good quality breakfast also balances your blood sugar levels that can help control your hunger and prevent turning to heavier snacks or lunch that can result in a higher kilojoule output throughout the day.

Since having breakfast usually provides an injection of carbohydrates, which is the brain’s primary source of energy, it also improves your concentration and cognitive performance which can help you with your focus with school, work and your exercise in the morning.

Impacts of breakfast on fitness and progress

A well-planned nutrition plan is one of the foundations of a successful health and fitness journey. That is why skipping breakfast or any meal in particular can set you back with your progress.

If you prefer working out in the morning, make sure you either have a pre- or post-workout meal. That can be considered breakfast since it will help you from being low in energy, fatigued or dehydrated during and after your gym session.

Skipping breakfast, as some fad diets or meal plans may suggest, can lessen overall energy intake and aid in losing weight but you may be missing out essential nutrients that are valuable in muscle repair, bone health, immunity and energy metabolism.

What to eat for breakfast?

With the rise of healthier meal plans, diets and recipes, choices for a good breakfast have expanded. Since most of us have little time to prepare a gourmet meal in the morning, here are some of our suggestions or ideas that are quick and easy to prepare:

  • Wholegrain and fruit bowls and parfaits
  • Overnight oats or porridge with fruit/nut
  • Toast with fruit or nuts
  • Smoothies and yoghurt bowls
  • Egg dishes like omelettes, egg toasts and scrambled eggs

These breakfast ideas offer the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to energise you in the morning before you go to work or for your gym session and help you be conquer the rest of the day.

Food & Mood

Learn more about the importance of different meals throughout the day with Fernwood’s Food & Mood program. Find out more about Food & Mood, or fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch with more info.

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