For years, we’ve been told, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” We’ve been given reasons ranging from “It gives you a good start to your day,” to “Breakfast helps you in school”—but not a lot of specifics or proof.
Can’t we just skip those breakfast calories, buckle down harder in the morning for a few hours and wait until lunch to get our first meal? Does anyone have any proof that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?
Well, yes, there’s actually hard science that explains why breakfast is so important and why it’s not a good idea to skip it. While you sleep, your body burns a significant amount your stores of glycogen (the fuel you need to keep you going). Breakfast helps replace these stores and helps prevent later overeating and fat storage.
Important Reasons to Eat Breakfast
•If you don’t eat between dinner and lunch, your body will react to your sudden rush of lunch calories with a blood insulin response that may store more calories as fat.
•Not eating breakfast leads to overeating later in the day and weight gain.
•Working out on an empty stomach does not help you burn fat—you will actually “cannibalize” your muscles as your body converts muscle tissue to glycogen to fuel your workouts.
•Eating breakfast helps improve some brain functions, which can improve your performance in school and at work.
Bottom Line?
There are multiple, physiological reasons why skipping breakfast is . . . not too bright!
Eat your breakfast or get a well-deserved smack in the head from mom.
Additional Resources
WebMD: The Many Benefits of Breakfast