It’s a fair enough question and like so many things with nutrition it is a complex one and different for different people. Here is MY personal take on the question.
YES, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and a healthy habit for long term health, weight management, athletic performance and cognitive thinking. For example, one 2021 systematic review of 14 observational studies found that those who eat breakfast seven times per week have a reduced risk for:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Abdominal obesity
- Cardiovascular-related death
- Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
Weight management—by having breakfast you have more control of your calories and nutritional needs throughout the day. If you skip breakfast, you have to be even more strict/aware of your calories at lunch and dinner.
Athletic Performance—As I mentioned last month, if you don’t have fuel in the tank, you can’t go anywhere. Breakfast is the first opportunity to get the fuel needed for whatever energy demands are for the day.
Cognitive thinking—your brain runs on carbohydrates, simple as that. If you don’t have any carbs in the morning to start your day, your brain can not function at full capacity.
So, What Should I eat for Breakfast?
Another complex question based on diverse needs. Find what works for you. If you enjoy breakfast, begin your day with nutritious foods.
