People often tell you how important breakfast is. You hear it on TV and probably heard it from your parents or a teacher growing up. Is that true, or is it an outdated belief? In earlier days, when people had to work hard in the fields, factories, and homes, breakfast gave them the energy to keep going. Today, with all the modern conveniences, including in fields and factories, eating a big breakfast isn’t as necessary for everyone. Eating breakfast may be vital for some, but not for others.
You’ll move more during the day when you eat breakfast.
You’ll increase your activity level when you eat breakfast, according to a 2017 study. That increased activity kept the metabolism fires burning strong. For people with diabetes, it helped keep blood glucose levels in line. A contradictory study showed eating your first meal later in the day helped weight loss. It reduces the hours you eat, which is the basis of intermittent fasting.
Children often perform better at school when they eat breakfast.
There’s a difference between the bodies of children and those of adults besides the size. Studies based on adults aren’t necessarily valid for adults. Many studies show that school-age children improved their classroom performance when they had a healthy breakfast containing carbs and protein. An egg and toast are one example. Oatmeal with nuts and fruit is another. Eating a nourishing breakfast after working out can jump-start the recovery process.
Some factors make the results of studies unreliable.
If you work day hours at a nine-to-five job, you’ll be more likely to eat breakfast. If your work hours don’t sync with your circadian rhythm, you’ll be less likely. Countless studies show that people who work the night shift for several years often have issues like digestive problems, obesity, metabolic disease, and heart disease. It increases your risk of ulcers and cancer, which may be due to other factors, like the circadian rhythm being awry.
- If you’re going to have a physically active day, a hearty breakfast can help you maintain your energy without wilting mid-morning. It can provide the nutrients necessary to make it through the day.
- The type of breakfast you eat makes a difference. Consuming only simple carbs like refined bread and cereals isn’t healthy, but eating whole grains, proteins, and healthy fat is.
- A recent study showed skipping breakfast causes the body to burn more calories but increases inflammation. Inflammation contributes to conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
- Pay attention to your body to decide if breakfast is right for you. If you want to lose weight, does it help to eat breakfast? If so, eat a healthy one. If not, try intermittent fasting by eating later in the day and ending food consumption earlier.
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