Is Breakfast Really the Most Important Meal of the Day?

We’ve all heard that old saying that the most important meal of the day is breakfast. But if you’re someone who doesn’t wake up hungry, are you actually harming your health if you skip it?

Some people just aren’t hungry in the morning. Others might be practicing intermittent fasting. However, are you missing out on the benefits of breakfast when you skip it? Let’s find out if you’re really missing out.

The benefits of breakfast

1. Restores energy levels

When you wake up in the morning, your body probably hasn’t received nutrition for 10-12 hours. Eating breakfast replenishes energy in your body by “breaking the fast.”

Your body’s primary source of energy is glucose, which is broken down and absorbed from carbohydrates.

When you’re not eating, your liver breaks down glycogen and releases it as glucose to keep your blood sugar stable. In the morning, glycogen stores are low. Your body then begins to break down fatty acids. However, without replenishing carbohydrates, your energy levels may feel lower. Eating breakfast helps restore energy with these necessary nutrients. Think of it as refueling your car when it gets low on gas.

2. Helps maintain weight

Eating breakfast is a smart way to maintain a healthy weight. Researchers continue to explore the relationship between weight and eating breakfast. However, the idea is that eating breakfast helps minimize blood sugar fluctuations.

In addition, when you eat breakfast, you’re less likely to eat whatever is in front of you when hunger strikes all at once. Simply put, when your body is fueled, you make better choices in the kitchen.

3. Higher intake of critical nutrients

Eating breakfast helps ensure you are getting the right nutrition you need throughout the day. When you skip a meal, you’re missing out on getting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to thrive. That includes magnesium, calcium, and electrolytes you need to perform throughout the day.

A recent study of more than 30,000 people in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society journal reported that eating breakfast was linked to a higher intake of nutrients “folate, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and D.”

The same study also reported that people who skipped breakfast consumed greater amounts of saturated fat, carbohydrates, and added sugars throughout the day, which can contribute to weight gain.

4. Boosts brain power

Did you know glucose is the main source of energy for your brain? According to the Harvard Medical School, the brain “is the most energy-demanding organ, using one-half of all the sugar energy in the body.”

That doesn’t mean you should eat more sugar. But it does mean breakfast can have an impact on how your brain functions and performs. Studies report that children and adolescents who eat breakfast tend to perform better academically.

Studies also suggest that skipping out on breakfast may impact your mental performance, interrupting focus, attention, and even memory.

Is it bad to skip breakfast?

Every person is different. Most of the evidence shows that eating breakfast has incredible benefits. However, to make the best decision for your own personal health, it is best to speak with a doctor about the potential pros and cons of skipping breakfast.

Does it matter what I eat?

Although eating breakfast has many benefits, what you eat matters just as much. Running out the door, stopping at the gas station, and scarfing down a donut and an energy drink doesn’t mean you will gain the benefits above. Instead, you’re likely headed toward a sugar crash later!

How can I start eating breakfast? What should I eat?

If you want to start experiencing the benefits of breakfast, it’s essential to eat a nutritionally balanced meal. One of the easiest foods you can eat for breakfast is a smoothie – especially with the Teami MIXit Portable Smoothie Blender!

The best part about a smoothie is that you can choose foods you love and blend them together. And if you have a hard time eating leafy greens and vegetables, you can serve them up mixed with your favorite fruit and barely taste them. There are many other benefits of smoothies too, making them one of our favorite foods.

Need smoothie ideas? Our 5-Day Smoothie Challenge contains 22 superfood smoothie recipes loaded with fruits, leafy greens, antioxidants, and so much more. And don’t forget to add the protein powder and collagen!

Of course, smoothies aren’t the only breakfast option. Here are some other ideas:

• Overnight oats
• Protein pancakes
• Omelet
• Acai bowl

Does this mean I shouldn’t fast or skip breakfast?

Not necessarily. Some people simply aren’t hungry in the morning or prefer to wait a couple of hours before eating. The decision to eat breakfast, like anything else, is personal. For example, if you’re a very active person and like to work out immediately in the morning but know it will upset your stomach, it makes sense to wait. However, if you are considering fasting, it is important to discuss this decision with your doctor.

The bottom line on breakfast

Eating breakfast is one of the best ways to get energized in the morning and set your entire day up for nutritional success. It powers your brain and your body when you make good nutritional choices.

If you don’t currently like eating breakfast, check out our delicious breakfast recipes! They’re fast, easy, and nutritious. If you decide to try one, make sure you snap a pic and tag us on Instagram with #thankyouteami so we can see what you made.