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Why Is Breakfast So Important?

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“Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince and Dine like a Pauper”

This old adage is certainly true. You need less energy in the evening when it’s time to relax and more energy at the start of the day, whilst topping up energy levels at lunchtime is crucial for getting you though the afternoon with boundless energy and mental alertness.

“Breakfast” literally means the meal that “breaks the fast”. It’s considered your most important meal because it affects your eating for the rest of the day. Starting the day with a well-balanced meal that supplies adequate protein, carbohydrate and fiber keeps hunger at bay and allows you to make wise choices for the meals which follow.

Breakfast eaters tend to have better diets overall, consuming more fruit, vegetables, milk, and whole grains than non-breakfast eaters.

And because the time between dinner and the next morning’s meal is the longest your body goes without food, breakfast has an effect on you that’s different from any other meal. Eating within 2 hours of waking can make a difference in the way you metabolize glucose, or blood sugar, all day. Your glucose level rises every time you eat, and your pancreas produces insulin to shuttle the glucose into your cells, where it’s used for energy. Research is finding that keeping glucose and insulin in the right balance has important effects on metabolism and health.

Many people also get a lot of their nutrients from breakfast foods, and those who skip breakfast can be low in fibre, iron, calcium and B2 vitamins.

For those reasons, it is important to eat a nutritious breakfast every day. There are many breakfast foods that can help you get your dietary requirements, such as whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits, yogurt, and fresh juices, among others.

Ideas-for-a-Healthy-Breakfast
Ideas for a healthy breakfast

–   2 boiled or poached eggs with a slice of wholegrain bread
–   An omelete with veggies and a small fresh juice
–   Muesli with seeds, nuts and fresh fruit
–   Organic, natural yogurt with berries and seeds
–   Wholegrain toast with natural nut or seed butter
–   Whole oat porridge with almond milk and chopped fresh fruit
–   A fruit smoothie with ground seeds

Either way, know yourself, know your body and start your day right with a healthy breakfast and provide your body with the love and energy it needs. Knowing is half the battle. The rest is up to you!