Ever since we were kids, our moms and dads instilled the notion that breakfast is "the most important meal of the day." If you were anything like me, "breakfast" was usually a big bowl of sugary cereal with whole milk, so there was no issue to get me to abide by this morning rule.
Although unhealthy choices (i.e. mini marshmallows) are a general 'no no' - now we know this a lot better – the idea that breakfast is important still holds true. Skip breakfast and you're doing yourself no favors. Here are 3 reasons skipping breakfast can be bad for your health.
1. Low Blood Sugar
It's called "breakfast" for a reason. You're essentially breaking the fast from the last time you ate, probably dinner the night before. This could be a good 12 hours (or more) since your body has had any nourishment. As per WebMD, "Skipping the morning meal can throw off your body's rhythm of fasting and eating. When you wake up, the blood sugar your body needs to make your muscles and brain work their best is usually low. Breakfast helps replenish it."
And the longer you wait to eat, the lower your blood sugar can fall. You will have low energy, and in worse cases, you could get dizzy or faint. According to LiveStrong, "The body may start taking energy stored as glucose from your tissues, which can cause you to feel tired and lethargic."
Be sure to eat something within a couple of hours after waking. Go for eggs, fruit, and toast, a hearty bowl of oatmeal, whole grain cereal, or a fresh smoothie. With this nutrition, your body won't be out of whack and you can conquer the day well-fueled and ready to go.
2. Overeat at Lunch
If you've skipped breakfast, by the time lunchtime rolls around you'll undoubtedly be ravenous. This will leave you more inclined to make poor decisions (high fat, calorie bombs, junk food, etc.) when it comes to meal choices, and you may eat too quickly causing gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, or sugar spikes.
As LiveStrong notes, " If you've skipped breakfast, you are more likely to reach for unhealthy snack options, such as convenience foods high in fat and sugar -- like a candy bar from a vending machine, a doughnut or a large bagel. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain." So if skipping breakfast was a dieting tactic, that lunchtime gorging will sabotage your intentions, and could even make you gain more weight.
Skipping breakfast throws off your metabolism causing the body to adjust to store calories. Keep your metabolism regular by fueling steadily and well-paced all day. Your appetite will stay in check and your overall fitness will be better.
As per Daily Mail, "Research in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation backs up evidence that starting the day on a full stomach helps to control appetite and keep weight down." Furthermore, "A study of more than 3,000 Americans found that those who ate breakfast regularly were significantly less likely to be obese or have diabetes than those who skipped it." Looks like breakfast is getting even more appetizing!
3. Poor Concentration
With low energy and hunger pangs, concentration will suffer. It can be due to the physiological effects of not eating or the simple fact that all you can think about is what you're going to have for lunch.
As per WebMD, "Kids who don't eat in the a.m. have a harder time focusing, and they become more tired in school. They may also be cranky or restless. And it isn't just their moods that can suffer. Their school work can, too." Same goes for adults who skip. Work efficiency and demeanor will plummet.
LiveStrong adds, "If you skip breakfast, you are more likely to experience a mid-morning slump that can leave your thinking cloudy." Even if you have a little something, it's better than forgoing the first meal of the day altogether. Even a protein bar or another on-the-go choice like trail mix, a granola bar, or a turkey and cheese wrap will make for a decent breakfast.