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Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. At least, that’s what most of us have been told our entire lives. But is skipping breakfast truly detrimental to your health? The answer, it turns out, isn’t as open and shut as you might think it is.
What does the science say about breakfast?
The overwhelming majority of the research conducted on breakfast supports its importance as a meal. Children and teenagers are most in need of a healthy and filling start, studies have shown that skipping breakfast can lead to poor academic achievement and difficulty with concentration and memory. For adults, the effects are slightly less dire but are still present. Skipping breakfast has been shown to increase BMI and waist circumference, contribute to a depressive state and lead to decreased nutrient absorption.
How to get in the habit of eating breakfast
Research indicates that eating breakfast is a good idea for multiple reasons, but it can be difficult to develop this habit when you don’t wake up hungry. The good news is that breakfast doesn’t have to be eaten immediately after you wake up. Waiting an hour or two, until you experience real hunger pangs, is perfectly fine. Eating late at night or living a sedentary lifestyle are both lifestyle factors that can slow down your appetite first thing in the morning. Get in the habit of drinking a big glass of water when you wake up, not only will this keep you hydrated but it will also stimulate your digestive system. People who are diabetic, who are suffering from chronic health issues or individuals who are extremely active should make breakfast a priority every morning. Reconsidering what you think of as breakfast food is also helpful; there are no rules stating that breakfast must consist of cereal, eggs, toast, etc. Despite what convention dictates, a leftover slice of veggie pizza, a bowl of soup, a sandwich, or even a big breakfast salad with a side of protein are completely legitimate options first thing in the morning.
Three surprising benefits of eating breakfast
1. It may lower your BMI
A study published in the Journal Of Nutrition found not skipping breakfast was linked to a drop in body mass index (BMI) for participants.
2. It can reduce hunger
Research from the University of Missouri-Columbia revealed eating breakfast lifts satiety levels and can help reduce hunger throughout the day.
3. It can help you focus
A breakfast high in protein can increase your levels of tyrosine, dopamine and noreprinephrine, which will increase your alertness.
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