We’ve all heard it before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And whoever said that, wasn’t kidding. Studies have shown that people who regularly eat healthy breakfasts are at lower risk for expensive conditions such as overweight and obesity; hypertension and heart disease.
“There are a number of key reasons why people skip breakfast,” says Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) spokesperson and Registered Dietitian, Abby Courtenay. But in all honesty, you really should try your best to eat in the am. It helps to kick start your metabolism, helping to burn fat throughout the day. It will also give you the energy to get you through your hectic day — need anymore to reason to eat breakfast? Here are four reasons why should definitely eat tomorrow morning:
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Skipping Breakfast Won’t Make You Lose Weight
If you’re looking to lose weight, skipping breakfast is not the way to go. In fact, not eating in the morning puts you at risk of overeating and grabbing low nutritional foods at lunchtime. Kim Rutgers, a registered dietitian and ADSA spokesperson says that that by “skipping any meal will mean important nutrients like vitamins and minerals will be missed”. It best to lose weight in a way that is sustainable, and the only way to do that making healthy food choices- and that means eating breakfast.
READ MORE: Here’s Why You Should Stop Skipping Breakfast Every Morning
Breakfast Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated
The morning rush can be stressful but that’s really not a reason to skip it. Abby advises: “From a time perspective, drinking is often quicker than sitting down to a full meal and so my suggestion is a nutritious smoothie. I encourage my patients to blend together a small banana, oats, sugar-free peanut butter and low-fat milk. Baby spinach is an optional extra. Not only is this the quickest meal, but it contains balanced portions of fruit, vegetables, minimally processed grains and healthy plant fats. What a way to start your day!
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You Don’t Have To Eat Breakfast As Soon As You Wake Up
If you’re one of those people that aren’t hungry as soon as they wake up, that’s totally okay — but not an excuse to skip the most important meal of the day. Breakfast can happen two or three hours after you wake up. “Swap your smaller mid-morning snack and breakfast around. For example, eat a fruit when you are getting ready for work or school and then enjoy a bigger, more complete meal at around 10a.m. This way you are getting in all the food and nutrients you need whilst still honouring your body’s natural hunger cues”, says Abby.
READ MORE: 7 Ways To Make Breakfast A Part Of Your Weight-Loss Plan (Even If You Hate It)
Breakfast Is Way More Than Just Eggs Or Cereals
If eggs and cereal aren’t your things, you’ve got loads of other breakfast options — you just got to get a bit creative. Just be sure to avoid processed foods as much as possible, as they are usually laden with sugar and are nutrient dense. It’s best to go for something that will not only keep you fuller for longer but it also good for you. You could give oats or a smoothie a try — or why not combine them and make a smoothie bowl?
Kim advises that you try to get the three main nutrient groups in at breakfast time — carbohydrates, proteins and fats. “When all three of these macronutrients, in the right proportions are included in one meal, then you are getting in a balanced, nutritious meal”. If you’re looking to save some cash on making breakfast, Abby suggests using leftovers from dinner for breakfast the next day, “Why not have leftover mince on toast with fresh tomato slices or use your leftover pumpkin to make pumpkin fritters?”
