3 reasons why you shouldn’t skip breakfast (2024)

3 reasons why you shouldn’t skip breakfast (1)

Did you skip breakfast this morning? If so, you’re not alone.As many as 30% of people head out the door in the morning with a “low tank of gas” in their bodies because they haven’t eaten. It’s a habit that gets worse with age and is more prevalent in females.

Eating that first meal of the day is essential for your health. Here are three great reasons why you should jump-start your day with breakfast.

1. Breakfast boosts your brainpower

When you eat breakfast, your memory and concentration improve. Studies show breakfast eaters have greater attention spans and perform better on spatial and cognitive tests.

On the flip side, breakfast skippers are more likely to get stomach pains and headaches caused by hunger, making learning and test-taking challenging.

2. Breakfast helps your nutritional status

In general, breakfast eaters are healthier. They are more likely to meet the nutritional recommendations for their age groups, especially for vitamins A, C, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, iron and fiber.

Chronic conditions like diabetes can also be significantly improved by maintaining a healthy diet, starting with a good breakfast. Diabetes is difficult to control if meals, especially breakfast, are skipped. (But always remember to consult your doctor before making changes to your diet, especially if you have a chronic condition.)

Breakfast shunners tend to have higher cholesterol levels, increasing their risk for heart disease.They also tend to snack more on high-fat, low-nutrition foods and are more likely to overeat at lunch because of excessive hunger.

3. Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism

Some research suggests that regular breakfast consumption can help you lose weight and maintain that weight by revving up your metabolism to burn calories throughout the day.

It makes sense: if you skip a meal, your body doesn’t know when its next meal is coming. If your body doesn’t know when its next meal is coming, it will store everything it can as fat to use later.

Eating foods with protein and fiber in the morning also gets you off to a smart start by keeping your appetite in check for the rest of the day.

Making breakfast part of your daily routine

Eating breakfast can give you the energy boost you need to get things done and make more mindful healthy eating choices. But don’t just choose any breakfast.

A healthy high-protein breakfast includes foods from various food groups, such as whole grains, fruit and dairy, to ensure that you get a good mix of both nutrients and fiber.If eating breakfast is new to you, give your body a couple of weeks to adjust.

The key to fitting in a healthy breakfast is to plan ahead. So think twice before passing on breakfast tomorrow morning and take steps to stay healthy, active and fit.

Questions about food choices?Find a dietitian near you today.

3 reasons why you shouldn’t skip breakfast (2024)

FAQs

3 reasons why you shouldn’t skip breakfast? ›

But breakfast may be one of the best things you can do for your body. Studies show that eating a regular breakfast can improve your cognitive function, help you avoid gaining weight and may help reduce coronary problems.

Why shouldn't you skip breakfast? ›

But breakfast may be one of the best things you can do for your body. Studies show that eating a regular breakfast can improve your cognitive function, help you avoid gaining weight and may help reduce coronary problems.

Why is it bad for students to skip breakfast? ›

Kids who skip breakfast seem to be more likely to develop metabolic conditions such as high blood sugar, increased blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels and extra fat in the waist. These conditions increase the risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

What is the consequence of skipping breakfast? ›

Side Effects of Skipping Breakfast

Although this eating pattern may help someone reduce their overall caloric intake, it may also lead to disruptive changes to their circadian rhythm, which could negatively affect sleep, as well as insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake.

Why should students eat breakfast every day? ›

The theory is that breakfast plays an important role in regulating appetite, hormone levels and the number of calories we burn throughout the day. Breakfast eaters tend to perform better in school. Breakfast eaters have better test scores, improved memory and focus, and are less likely to be absent or tardy.

Is it a good habit to skip breakfast? ›

However, often, skipping breakfast, which initially starts due to time constraints or just pure laziness, soon turns into a habit (not a good one, btw). This habit of skipping breakfast not only leads to heart problems, but can also be deadly in the long run.

Is it okay to skip breakfast if not hungry? ›

In most cases, eating breakfast is better than not eating it. If you're at a healthy weight, have steady energy levels, and don't currently eat breakfast, it may not be essential that you start. However, for most people, breakfast is a really healthful part of your overall diet.

Why do girls skip breakfast more than boys? ›

A common finding across studiesii was that girls were more likely to skip breakfast than boys (17% vs 11%), with weight concerns being cited as one reason for not eating among adolescent girls.

Is morning fasting bad for you? ›

Some people might find intermittent fasting can cause headaches, fatigue or insomnia, and it may not be healthy for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or navigating pre-existing conditions. When in doubt, check with your doctor.

Is it better to fast or eat breakfast? ›

A nutritious breakfast is an excellent opportunity to consume important nutrients, such as fiber, protein, and healthy fats. With that said, skipping breakfast can lead to feelings of hunger and fatigue, which can make it challenging to concentrate and perform daily tasks.

Will I get fat if I skip breakfast? ›

The evidence is clear, there is nothing “special” about breakfast. It probably does not matter whether you eat or skip breakfast, as long as you eat healthy for the rest of the day. Breakfast does not “jump start” your metabolism and skipping it does not automatically make you overeat and gain weight.

Why is breakfast so important? ›

As the name suggests, breakfast breaks the overnight fasting period. It replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness, while also providing other essential nutrients required for good health. Many studies have shown the health benefits of eating breakfast.

What is the 16 8 method? ›

The practice of 16/8 intermittent fasting involves limiting your intake of foods and calorie-containing beverages to a set window of 8 hours per day. You abstain from food for the remaining 16 hours, though you're still allowed to drink water and other no-calorie beverages, like plain coffee or tea.

Should I skip breakfast? ›

Eating breakfast helps give your body the nutrients it needs to sustain your energy, balance your hormones and enhance your mood so you can think clearly and focus. That said, skipping this crucial morning meal is linked to poor health outcomes like blood sugar imbalances and greater risk of chronic diseases.

What are 4 benefits of eating breakfast? ›

10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Breakfast Every Day
  • Improves Concentration and Focus. ...
  • Helps Lift Your Mood. ...
  • Helps Manage Your Appetite. ...
  • Helps Your Heart. ...
  • Improves Academic Performance. ...
  • Aids in Weight Management. ...
  • Helps Pregnant Moms Meet Nutritional Needs. ...
  • Boosts Your Immune System.

Is it better to skip breakfast or lunch? ›

Skipping breakfast was associated with a greater risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease (CVD), while skipping lunch or dinner was associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality, including a rise in CVD risk. There was even a problem for those who ate all three meals but had them too close together.

Which meal should I skip to lose weight? ›

In the case of Intermittent fasting, skipping your dinner is better and easier. You can have your dinner either early or have a heavy snack and can begin your fasting. Research suggests that fasting in the evening and overnight, then eating early in the morning is the better way to follow this diet to lose weight.

What happens to your body when you skip meals? ›

Skipping meals: Causes the body to lower its metabolism (how much energy it needs to function) Causes us to burn less energy (fewer calories) Can lead us to gain weight when we eat our usual amount of food Leaves us with little energy because the body has run out of the fuel we get from food Leaves us sluggish and ...

Why do Americans skip breakfast? ›

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 25% of Americans skip breakfast for various reasons. Often, it's a combination of a lack of appetite, time, and energy.

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