“It’s the most important meal of the day,” you’ve probably heard your mother mention first thing after getting out of bed. But despite that good advice, many people ignore the benefits of a good breakfast to get them going.
It’s a busy world, and for many, the struggle to get out the door in the morning is real. Time to shower, groom, get dressed, get the kids up, lunches made, and other crucial family functions rarely leaves time for consuming a healthy breakfast.
Skipping that first meal deprives the body of crucial energy to start the day. Further, eating breakfast has been proven as an effective way to reduce the risk for serious diseases.
No brainer, right?
Here are some of the reasons eating in the morning should be part of your to-do list.
Breakfast Reduces Risk of Heart Disease, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
A longitudinal Harvard study examined a group of men aged 45 to 82 over a 16-year period. It was observed that “men who did not eat breakfast had a 33 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) compared with men who did”.
This shows the important correlation between feeding the body in the morning and the way the heart will function for the rest of the day.
Another report looked at the eating habits of females and concluded that women who did not eat breakfast put themselves at a higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes. If that wasn’t enough, there is a threat of obesity stemming from the inclination to make unhealthy snacking choices mid-morning if breakfast has been skipped and the stomach starts to growl.
Essentially, this means that when you take time to eat breakfast in the morning, you can set your body’s functions to work at their optimal level throughout the day. You’re ensuring your metabolism has been kickstarted, and that you’re not setting yourself up to reach for unhealthy snacks.
Breakfast Improves Your Cognitive Function
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health looked at 319 adolescents aged 13-20 and how breakfast affected their memory. It was observed that those who ate breakfast had a better response for memory recall, but it was also observed that those who ate a high-calorie breakfast actually impaired their memory.
A healthy, balanced breakfast that’s not fried or high in sugars or fats is key.
Ensuring you’re loaded with the proper nutrients to start your day also helps maintain focus and improve concentration. A healthy breakfast gives your brain the kickstart it needs for the day, and maintaining your blood sugar allows your brain to focus on the task at hand.
Helps You Have an Overall Better Day
Starting your day with a boost of energy will certainly dictate your level of productivity and ability to get things done.
A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition observed that those who eat a high fiber breakfast show alertness, with more energy to begin tasks and sustain productivity throughout the day.
So, What’s the Best Breakfast?
It doesn’t need to be overly complicated or elaborate to produce the aforementioned positive effects. Breakfast can be as simple as a bowl of high-fiber cereal, a hard-boiled egg, or even last night’s leftovers.
Stay away from foods that are high in sugar, high in fat, and are cooked in unhealthy ways like deep fried. Look for foods that will bring you energy, will keep you feeling “full” and are high in protein. Don’t forget your coffee too, as there are some significant health benefits to coffee.
If you’re a breakfast-skipper, give yourself a week in committing to eating a morning meal and observe the noticeable differences in your overall health, cognitive function, and feelings of elevated mood and energy.