We’ve all heard it before – breakfast is the most important meal of the day…but why? With the fast pace of a modern lifestyle and the rise of intermittent fasting trends, it’s not always at top of mind to prioritise brekkie, but enjoying a healthy breakfast is actually imperative for your health! Here’s why:
The benefits of a good brekkie…
A healthy breakfast boasts multiple benefits for your overall health, such as:
Body and mind
Skipping breakfast is a lot like starting a car on an empty tank of petrol – it won’t go anywhere. Our bodies need fuel to kickstart our day. After a night of fasting, breakfast provides the necessary nutrients and energy to revitalise our bodies and minds.
A well-balanced breakfast rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats will not only satisfy your hunger but also provide a steady stream of energy to keep you focused and alert throughout the morning.
Boosting metabolism
Contrary to popular belief, skipping breakfast can aid weight loss it may even slow down your metabolism. When you skip breakfast, your body enters a state of conservation, leading it to hold onto calories, rather than burning them efficiently. This can ultimately hinder weight loss efforts and even lead to weight gain in the long run.
Brain power
The brain, being an energy-intensive organ, heavily relies on a consistent supply of glucose to function optimally. Breakfast (the healthy option) plays a crucial role in maintaining adequate blood sugar levels, which fuels cognitive abilities, memory, and concentration.
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Healthy lifestyle
A well-planned breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day. By starting your day with nutritious food, you’re more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day. When you eat breakfast, you are possibly less likely to indulge in unhealthy snacking and overeating during lunch.
Weight management
Intermittent fasting might disagree but often when breakfast is skipped, there is a compensation by overeating later in the day, especially during lunch and dinner. The imbalance in calorie consumption can lead to weight gain over time.
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Mood and emotional well-being
Ever experienced a mid-morning mood slump or irritability? This might be due to low blood sugar levels resulting from skipping breakfast. A nutritious morning meal can stabilise blood sugar levels and promote the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, contributing to an improved mood and overall emotional well-being.
Breakfast should always be eaten within 2 hours of waking.
Yummy breakfast ideas
To ensure you reap the benefits of brekkie, opt for a balanced breakfast that includes a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Here are some options:
- Overnight oats (Made to your preference) We enjoy adding oat milk, yogurt, coco powder, cinnamon and fresh berries.
- Whole grain cereal.
- Whole grain toast with eggs and avocado.
- Salmon and cottage cheese and cucumber (This is high in protein)
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Next time you think about skipping breakfast to save time or calories, think again!
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Feature Image: Pexels
