We’ve always been told to eat our breakfast as it is the most important meal of the day. It’s about time we started following that advice.
Many people find themselves too busy to eat breakfast, but there are many health benefits to the morning meal. It doesn’t matter your reasons for not eating breakfast, skipping the meal could be doing more harm than good.
Maintain weight
Fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and vegetables for breakfast can keep you going for hours. You’ll feel fuller for longer and have less chance of eating junk food later.
Essential nutrients
Many of our daily recommended nutrients can be found in breakfast foods including vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, iron and fibre. Don’t be fooled by pre-packaged breakfasts and juice, though, as they can be high in artificial sugar.
Choose whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean proteins such as eggs.
Physical lifestyle
According to the experts at House Call Doctor, eating well in the morning can help to keep you energised throughout the day and encourage a more active lifestyle. Foods that are rich in protein, whole grains and fibre are great for providing enduring energy. The more energy you have, the more likely you are to exercise.
Lowering the risk of diabetes
Various studies have shown that breakfast can help decrease the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. It is believed this may be due to insulin levels, as eating breakfast after your body has been in fasting mode can stabilise insulin levels and hormones.
People who miss breakfast, even infrequently, can experience a drop and then a rise in insulin after lunch, possibly resulting in an increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes.
Heart health
The risk of developing coronary heart disease can increase by 27 per cent due to regularly skipping breakfast.
In a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, people who skipped breakfast were more likely to be hungry later in the day. Eating more food at night can lead to metabolic changes and heart disease.
The study’s lead author Leah Cahill said “Skipping breakfast may lead to one or more risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which may in turn lead to a heart attack over time.”
The best breakfast foods
The good news is there are plenty of foods you can enjoy for breakfast, which are good for you.
These include:
- Oats/porridge
- Greek yoghurt
- Eggs on wholemeal toast
- Fresh fruit
- Omelette (add some vegies!)
- Muesli (free of refined sugar with lots of nuts, dried fruits and chia seeds).